Fire simulator

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments and methods described herein relate to fire training systems and to fire simulators or fire training apparatus. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing with a surface and an interior volume. A smoke generator is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured to selectively generate smoke. A port is extended between the smoke generator and the surface of the housing and is configured to permit at least a portion of the smoke to be discharged through the port from the smoke generator to an exterior of the housing. A light emitter is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a light. The light and the portion of smoke are collectively configured to simulate a flame or electric arc above the surface of the housing such that the simulated flame or electric arc is viewable from more than 180 degrees about the surface of the housing. A logic controller is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured to modulate the light and the smoke based on receipt of an extinguishing agent by a predetermined portion of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/491,840, entitled “FIRE SIMULATOR,” filed Apr. 19, 2017, which claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No.62/324,679, entitled “FIRE SIMULATOR,” filed Apr. 19, 2016, each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments described herein relate generally to fire trainingsystems and fire simulators, and more particularly, to a fire simulatorconfigured to produce a dynamic representation of a fire that isviewable from more than 180 degrees about the dynamic representation ofthe fire.

Some known training systems for firefighting search and rescueoperations have limited viewability during a training episode. Forexample, one known system includes a vertically positioned video screenthat displays a video image of a fire. As such, the image of the firecan only be viewed from one side of the video screen, and thus theviewing angle of the video screen, and thus the image displayed thereon,is limited to, at best, a maximum of 180 degrees.

Other known systems are limited in or lack the ability to simulatemultiple dynamic conditions of a fire scenario. For example, one knownsystem includes a light box and a single sound production mechanism.This known system, however, lacks the ability to dynamically change thecharacteristics of either the light or of the sound. The system alsolacks the ability to generate additional characteristics that may beassociated a fire, such as smoke, heat, or the like.

In another example, some known systems include multiple separatecomponents to achieve multiple dynamic conditions. As such, such knownsystems can be expensive and lack portability such that the system canbe used in a large number of indoor and/or outdoor environments.

Additionally, known systems and apparatus often lack the ability towirelessly communicate with other components of the known system or towirelessly communicate with an additional fire simulation apparatus ortraining system, and thus have a limited or no ability be to beintegrated into or interfaced with such additional fire training systemsor apparatus.

Thus, a need exists for a fire simulation apparatus that can produce adynamic representation of a fire that is viewable from more than 180degrees about the dynamic representation of the fire. A need also existsfor an apparatus that can simulate multiple dynamic conditionsassociated with a fire. A need further exists for an apparatus that canbe integrated into and/or interfaced with another fire simulationapparatus and/or live fire training systems.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments and methods described herein relate to fire trainingsystems and to fire simulators or fire training apparatus. In someembodiments, an apparatus includes a housing with a surface and aninterior volume. A smoke generator is disposed within the interiorvolume of the housing and is configured to selectively generate smoke. Aport is extended between the smoke generator and the surface of thehousing and is configured to permit at least a portion of the smoke tobe discharged through the port from the smoke generator to an exteriorof the housing. A light emitter is coupled to the housing and configuredto emit a light. The light and the portion of smoke are collectivelyconfigured to simulate a flame or electric arc above the surface of thehousing such that the simulated flame or electric arc is viewable frommore than 180 degrees about the surface of the housing. A logiccontroller is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and isconfigured to modulate the light and the smoke based on receipt of anextinguishing agent by a predetermined portion of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fire simulation apparatus according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a fire simulation apparatus according toan embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a fire simulationapparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the fire simulation apparatus of FIG. 3outputting a dynamic representation of a fire.

FIG. 5 is a back view of the fire simulation apparatus of FIG. 3outputting the dynamic representation of the fire of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are side views of the fire simulation apparatus of FIG. 3outputting the dynamic representation of the fire of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a fire simulation apparatus according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the fire simulation apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the fire simulation apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the fire simulation apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the fire simulation apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a fire training system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a fire training system according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fire simulators and fire simulation systems are described herein, aswell as methods of their use. In some embodiments, an apparatus includesa housing with a surface and an interior volume. A smoke generator isdisposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured toselectively generate smoke. A port is extended between the smokegenerator and the surface of the housing, and is configured to permit atleast a portion of the smoke to be discharged through the port from thesmoke generator to an exterior of the housing. A light emitter iscoupled to the housing and configured to emit a light. The light and theportion of smoke are collectively configured to simulate a flame orelectric arc above the surface of the housing such that the simulatedflame or electric arc is viewable from more than 180 degrees about thesurface of the housing. A logic controller is disposed within theinterior volume of the housing and is configured to modulate the lightand the smoke based on or in response to receipt of an extinguishingagent by a predetermined portion of the housing.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing having a topportion, a bottom portion configured to be disposed on a supportsurface, and an interior volume between the top portion and the bottomportion. The housing defines a first port and a second port differentfrom the first port. A smoke generator is disposed within the interiorvolume of the housing. The smoke generator is configured to generatesmoke. As referred to herein, and unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise, reference herein to “smoke” that is generated by the smokegenerator refers to theatrical smoke or fog, also known as specialeffect smoke or fog, which is often used in the entertainment industryto produce an atmospheric effect. Such smoke can be produced using anysuitable solution, including, but not limited to, glycol solutions (suchas 1,3-butylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, or mixtures thereof). Such smoke can be produced in any suitablemanner, including for example, vaporization or aerosolization, forexample, of a theatrical smoke fluid. For example, the smoke generatorcan be configured to generate smoke by vaporizing or aerosolizing asolution of propylene glycol and water. Smoke, as used herein, can alsorefer to smoke generated with the use of pyrotechnics.

The first port of the housing is configured to permit the smoke to bedischarged from the smoke generator within the interior volume of thehousing to outside the housing such that at least a portion of thedischarged smoke is positioned vertically with respect to the housing. Aset of light emitters is coupled to the housing. The set of lightemitters is configured to emit light in response to a second signalreceived from the logic controller. The set of light emitters isconfigured to emit the light towards the portion of the dischargedsmoke. A sound system is at least partially disposed within the interiorvolume of the housing. The sound system is configured to output at leastone audio recording from a set of audio recordings. A sensor is disposedwithin the housing. The sensor is configured to detect an extinguishingagent received by the housing via the second port. A logic controller isdisposed in the interior volume of the housing. The logic controller isconfigured to selectively control operation of the smoke generator, theset of light emitters and the sound system such that the apparatusoutputs a dynamic visual and audible representation of a fire, and suchthat the dynamic visual representation of the fire is viewable from anangle greater than 180 degrees with respect to a vertical axis of thedynamic visual representation of the fire. The logic controller isconfigured to modulate operation of at least one of the smoke generator,the set of light emitters or the sound system based on or in response toa signal received from the sensor associated with detection of theextinguishing agent.

In some embodiments, a method includes discharging smoke from a smokegenerator disposed within an interior volume of a housing through a portof the housing. The method includes emitting light from a set of lightemitters, such that the light has a first set of characteristics. Theset of light emitters is coupled to the housing. The emitted light andthe discharged smoke collectively produce a dynamic representation of afire vertically disposed with respect to the housing such that thedynamic representation of the fire is viewable from greater than 180degrees about a vertical axis of the dynamic representation of the fire.The method includes outputting an audio recording from a sound system atleast partially disposed within the interior volume of the housing. Theaudio recording includes a sound associated with a fire. The methodincludes detecting the presence of an extinguishing agent. The methodincludes modulating, via a logic controller disposed within the interiorvolume of the housing, at least one characteristic of at least one ofthe smoke, the light, or the audio recording.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” isintended to mean a single member or a combination of members, “amaterial” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combinationthereof.

As used herein, the terms “about” and/or “approximately” when used inconjunction with numerical values and/or ranges generally refer to thosenumerical values and/or ranges near to a recited numerical value and/orrange. For example, in some instances, “about 40 [units]” can meanwithin ±25% of 40 (e.g., from 30 to 50). In some instances, the terms“about” and “approximately” can mean within ±10% of the recited value.In other instances, the terms “about” and “approximately” can meanwithin ±9%, ±8%, ±7%, ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, less than ±1%, orany other value or range of values therein or therebelow. The terms“about” and “approximately” may be used interchangeably. Furthermore,although a numerical value modified by the term “about” or“approximately” can allow for and/or otherwise encompass a tolerance ofthe stated numerical value, it is not intended to exclude the exactnumerical value stated.

In a similar manner, term “substantially” when used in connection with,for example, a geometric relationship, a numerical value, and/or a rangeis intended to convey that the geometric relationship (or the structuresdescribed thereby), the number, and/or the range so defined is nominallythe recited geometric relationship, number, and/or range. For example,two structures described herein as being “substantially parallel” isintended to convey that, although a parallel geometric relationship isdesirable, some non-parallelism can occur in a “substantially parallel”arrangement. By way of another example, a simulated fire viewable froman angle that is “substantially 360 degrees” is intended to convey that,while the recited angle is desirable, some tolerances can occur when theangle is “substantially” the recited angle (e.g., 360 degrees). Suchtolerances can result from manufacturing tolerances, measurementtolerances, and/or other practical considerations (such as, for example,minute imperfections, age of a structure so defined, a pressure or aforce exerted within a system, and/or the like). As described above, asuitable tolerance can be, for example, of ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%,±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10%, or more of the stated geometric construction,numerical value, and/or range. Furthermore, although a numerical valuemodified by the term “substantially” can allow for and/or otherwiseencompass a tolerance of the stated numerical value, it is not intendedto exclude the exact numerical value stated.

While numerical ranges may be provided for certain quantities, it is tobe understood that these ranges can include all subranges therein. Thus,the range “from 180 to 360” includes all possible ranges therein (e.g.,180-270, 185-270, 185-360 . . . 270-360, etc.). Furthermore, all valueswithin a given range may be an endpoint for the range encompassedthereby (e.g., the range 180-360 includes the ranges with endpoints suchas 181-359, 225-320, etc.).

The systems and apparatus described herein can be used, for example, infire fighting training scenarios. The systems and apparatus describedherein are configured to simulate one or more of Class A fires (e.g.,fires involving combustible solids, like wood, paper, cloth, or thelike), Class B fires (e.g., fires involving flammable liquids and gases,like gasoline, paint, propane, or the like), Class C fires (e.g., firesinvolving energized electrical equipment), Class D fires (e.g., firesinvolving combustible metals, such as potassium, aluminum, magnesium orthe like), or Class K fires (fires involving cooking oils and greases),or any combination thereof. For example, an apparatus according to anembodiment is configured to simulate Class A, Class B and Class C fires,for example by producing one or more of a lighting effect, a smokeeffect, a sound effect, or a thermal effect, or any combination of theforegoing, associated with the class of fire to be simulated. Theapparatus is configured to produce one or more of the foregoing effects,to simulate the desired class of fire, without actually producing oremitting the fire. Said another way, the apparatus is configured tooutput from the apparatus a dynamic representation of a fire and/orconditions associated with a fire without also concurrently outputtingfrom the apparatus an actual flame or electrical arc.

As described in more detail herein, such an apparatus can be included ina fire fighting training system. For example, a system according to anembodiment includes two or more devices, such as the fire simulationapparatus described above, each of which is configured to simulate afire and each of which is operatively coupled to at least one otherdevice of the system. In this manner, the system can be configured tosimulate a fire scenario representative of an actual fire, for example,in which multiple instances of fire may exist indoors (e.g., within abuilding, housing, or other structure) and/or outdoors (e.g., abackyard, a field or other outdoor environment). Also in this manner,the system can be configured to simulate a fire scenario representativeof a spreading fire.

As also described in more detail herein, such a fire simulationapparatus or device can be included in a fire fighting training systemthat includes a live fire training device or subsystem. “Live fire,” asused herein and unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, refers toa real (or non-simulated) fire, which may include the presence of a realflame.

Thus, the embodiments described herein are useful for firefightingtraining, for example, in that fire scenarios can be reproduced orsimulated without the danger, or with a lesser degree of danger, thanthat which may otherwise be present when one or multiple live fires areused for training purposes.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus 100 according to anembodiment. The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102, a smoke generator110, at least one light emitter 120, and a controller 130. The housing102 is configured to at least partially house other components of theapparatus, such as the smoke generator 110, the light emitter(s) 120,and the controller 130, as described herein. In some arrangements, oneor more components of the apparatus 100 are wholly enclosed within thehousing 102. The housing 102 includes a surface and defines an interiorvolume. For example, the housing 102 can include an upper surface, alower surface and/or a side surface (e.g., one or more outer wallportions). The interior volume of the housing 102 can be defined, atleast in part, by one or more of the upper surface, lower surface orside surface, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the housing 102 has a top portion and a bottomportion. The top portion of the housing 102 can include, for example, atleast the upper surface of the housing. The bottom portion of thehousing 102 can include, for example, at least the lower surface of thehousing. In some arrangements, the bottom portion of the housing 102 isconfigured to be disposed on a support surface. The support surface caninclude a floor, lawn, pavement, other ground surface, furniture,vehicle, equipment, or any other suitable support surface. In someimplementations, the housing can be configured to float on a liquidsupport surface. In some implementations, the housing 102 includes oneor more leg members configured to space the lower surface of the housing102 apart from the support surface, for example by one or more inches orone or more feet. For example, the bottom portion of the housing 102 caninclude one, two, three, four or more leg members configured to spacethe lower surface of the housing 102 apart from the support surface whenthe bottom portion of the housing is disposed on the support surface. Insome embodiments, the top portion of the housing 102 includes aretaining element configured to facilitate suspension of the housingfrom a surface disposed above the housing (e.g., a ceiling, rafter,scaffold, tree, crane, or other suitable structure).

In some embodiments, the housing 102 includes a port (not shown in FIG.1). For example, in some embodiments, the housing 102 includes a portconfigured to fluidically couple at least a portion of the interiorvolume of the housing to outside of the housing (e.g., to ambient airsurrounding the apparatus 100). The port can be defined by the housing102. The port can be coupled to the housing 102. In someimplementations, the port extends from the surface of the housing 102.In some implementations, the housing 102 includes a port configured topermit smoke produced within the housing, as described in more detailherein, to be discharged through the port to an exterior of the housing102. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 102 can include alumen that is extended at least between the smoke generator 110 and theport disposed at the surface of the housing. In this manner, the portcan permit smoke from the smoke generator 110 to be discharged from thesmoke generator within the interior volume of the housing 102 to outsidethe housing, for example, without filling the interior volume of thehousing with the smoke.

In some embodiments, the port is located or positioned with respect tothe surface of the housing 102 such that at least a portion of thedischarged smoke is positioned vertically with respect to the housing102. For example, the port can be included in a top portion of thehousing 102 such that at least a portion of the discharged smoke ispositioned vertically above (e.g., directly overhead of) the housing102. In some arrangements, the port is included in a bottom portion ofthe housing 102 such that at least a portion of the discharged smoke ispositioned vertically below (e.g., directly beneath) the housing 102. Insome arrangements, the port is disposed on or defined by the housingsuch that at least a portion of the discharged smoke is positioned withrespect to the housing on a side (e.g., above, below, or beside) of thehousing opposite the support surface. In some arrangements, the port hasa central axis and the smoke is configured to be discharged via the portin a direction parallel to and/or aligned with the central axis of theport. In some arrangements, the housing 102 includes a port by which thehousing is configured to receive at least a portion of an extinguishingagent, as described in more detail herein.

The housing 102 is impervious (e.g., waterproof) such asliquid-resistant. In this manner, the housing 102 is configured toprotect components housed therein from being contacted by, and possiblydamaged by, a liquid extinguishing agent (e.g., water, foam, or thelike). More specifically, in some implementations, at least a portion ofthe housing 102 is impervious or resistant to fluid (and, optionally,gas) such that the housing 102 is configured to prevent or resist thefluid (or gas) from contacting internal components of at least one ofthe light emitters 120, the smoke generator 110, or the controller 130.In some implementations, the housing 102 is impervious orliquid-resistant, except for a port defined by the housing (e.g., theport configured to receive at least a portion of the extinguishing agentor the port configured to discharge smoke from the housing). The housing102, for example, can be constructed of a metal or a plastic, including,but not limited to, stainless steel, painted steel, aluminum, moldedplastic, or the like.

In some implementations, the housing 102 includes at least one door orhatch (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to provide access to the interiorvolume and/or a component of the apparatus 100 at least partiallydisposed within the interior volume. The housing 102 can include a seal,flange, or the like disposed about the perimeter of the door to helpprevent or resist liquid (or gas) from passing therethrough. Asdiscussed above, in some implementations, the housing 102 includes oneor more leg members configured to be disposed on a support surface. Suchleg members can be configured to space the housing 102 away from thesupport surface by a predetermined distance such that the housing 102 isspaced apart from a volume of extinguishing agent that may accumulate onthe support surface.

The housing 102 can have any suitable size. Generally, the housing 102is sufficiently large to at least partially house other components ofthe apparatus 100 described herein. For example, in someimplementations, the housing 102 has a height of up to about five (5)feet. For another example, the housing 102 can have a height within therange of about twelve (12) inches to about thirty-six (36) inches. Inyet another example, the housing 102 can have a height within the rangeof about sixteen (16) inches to about twenty-four (24) inches. Thehousing 102 can have an overall width of up to about five (5) feet. Foranother example, the housing 102 can have a width within the range ofabout twelve (12) inches to about thirty-six (36) inches. In yet anotherexample, the housing 102 can have a width within the range of aboutsixteen (16) inches to about twenty-four (24) inches. In someimplementations, the housing 102 has a height less than its width, andthus has an overall low profile, which can help to prevent tipping ofthe apparatus 100 when impacted by pressurized application of anextinguishing agent (e.g., pressurized stream of water or foam from afire extinguisher or fire hose). In some implementations, the apparatus100 is of sufficient weight such that the apparatus retains itself in apredetermined (e.g., upright) position when the apparatus is attacked orimpacted by a pressurized application of the extinguishing agent. Forexample, the apparatus 100 can have a weight of up to about 100 pounds(lbs), or more particularly within the range of about fifty (50) lbs. toabout eighty (80) lbs.

The smoke generator 110 of the apparatus 100 is at least partially, orcompletely, disposed within the interior volume of the housing 102. Thesmoke generator 110 is configured to generate smoke. The smoke generator110 can include or be similar to a theatrical smoke machine or fogmachine. The smoke generator 110 can be an electro-mechanical unit thatcan include a heating element (not shown in FIG. 1), electroniccircuitry, and optionally a pump (not shown in FIG. 1). The electroniccircuitry is operatively coupled to the heating element to maintain theheating element within a predetermined range of temperatures, when thesmoke generator 110 is in use. In use, the smoke fluid is moved (e.g.,via the pump, pressure, gravity, or the like) through the heatingelement such that the fluid is vaporized to form smoke vapor. The smokefluid can be a water-based fluid, such as glycol and water, or anoil-based fluid. In some embodiments, the smoke generator 110 caninclude a fan configured to help discharge the smoke (or smoke vapor)from the apparatus 100.

In some implementations, the smoke generator 110 can be configured toselectively generate smoke. For example, the smoke generator 110 can beconfigured to generate smoke in response to a command or signal receivedfrom the controller 130. The smoke generator 110 can be configured togenerate smoke having one or more predetermined characteristics, such asvolume, density, or other suitable characteristic, for example, based onthe command or signal received from the controller 130. The smoke isconfigured to redirect light emitted thereon (e.g., refraction and/orscattering) such that the smoke can visually appear to glow, therebysimulating the appearance of a flame or electrical arc.

The smoke generator 110 can be configured for variable output of smoke.In some embodiments, the smoke generator 110 is configured to generateat a first time a first volume of smoke having a first set ofcharacteristics and to generate at a second time, later than the firsttime, a second volume of smoke having a second set of characteristics.The first set of characteristics can be associated with, for example, afirst class (or combination of classes) of fire, a first intensity offire, a first stage of fire, or the like, and the second set ofcharacteristics can be associated with, for example, a second class offire, a second intensity of fire, a second stage of fire, or the like.In this manner, the smoke generator 110 can facilitate simulation offire at different stages, such as a small fire (e.g., an incipient stagefire), a medium fire (e.g., a growth stage fire), a large fire (e.g.,fully-developed stage fire) or a decaying fire or a fire close to beingextinguished. Also in this manner, the smoke generator 102 canfacilitate simulation of extinguishment of a fire, with a greater volumeand/or more dense smoke generated at the first time and a lesser volumeand/or less dense smoke generated at the second time. In someimplementations, the smoke generator 110 is configured to transitionfrom generation of the first volume of smoke to generation of the secondvolume of smoke without an interruption in smoke generation.

The smoke generator 110 can be configured to discharge at least aportion of the smoke, such as via one or more ports of the housing. Inthis manner, the apparatus 100 is configured to discharge at least aportion of the smoke such that the portion of the smoke is verticallydisposed with respect to the housing 102, as described herein.

The smoke generator can be configured to generate smoke using, forexample theatrical smoke fluid (e.g., a mixture of water and propyleneglycol). In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a reservoir(e.g., disposed within the interior volume of the housing 102)configured to contain a volume of the smoke fluid.

The light emitter 120 is configured to emit light, to facilitatesimulation of a dynamic representation of a fire, as described herein.The light emitter 120 is coupled to the housing 102. In somearrangements, the light emitter 120 can be disposed on or coupleddirectly to the surface of the housing 102. In some arrangements, thelight emitter 120 can be at least partially disposed in the interiorvolume of the housing 102. In some implementations, the light emitter120 includes a light emitting diode (“LED”), or multiple LEDs. In someimplementations, the light emitter can include one or more of a LED, astrobe light, a laser, an incandescent light bulb, a halogen lamp, afluorescent light, fiber optics, or a combination thereof.

The light emitter 120 can include one or more light emitters, which canbe arranged in any suitable configuration with respect to the housing102. For example, the light emitters 120 can be arranged in a pattern(e.g., on the surface of the housing 102), for example, in two or moreparallel rows, in two or more staggered parallel rows, in concentriccircles, in a circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, square, diamond, staror other desired shaped pattern.

The light emitter 120 can be configured to emit light towards a volumeof space adjoining the housing 102. For example, in some embodiments,the light emitter 120 is configured to emit light in a directionparallel to, or the same as, the direction in which smoke is dischargedfrom the housing 102. In another example, the light emitter 120 isconfigured to emit light towards a volume of space adjoining the housing102, such as in a vertical direction with respect to (e.g., overhead orbeneath) the housing 102. More particularly, the light emitter 120 isconfigured to emit light towards at least a portion of the smokedischarged from the housing 102. In some embodiments, the light emitter120 is configured to emit the light such that the light transmits anon-zero distance beyond the surface of the housing 102, for example upto five feet, up to ten feet, up to fifteen feet, or up to twenty feetbeyond the surface of the housing 102.

The light is configured to be redirected by at least a portion of thedischarged smoke, which can cause the portion of smoke to appear asthough it is glowing or which can otherwise cause the portion of smoketo appear illuminated. In this manner, the light emitted by the lightemitter 120 and the portion of smoke are collectively configured tosimulate a flame or electric arc above the surface of the housing 102.

The light emitted by the light emitter 120 and at least the portion ofdischarged smoke are collectively configured to simulate the flame orelectric arc above the surface of the housing 102 such that thesimulated flame or electric arc is viewable from more than 180 degreesabout the surface of the housing 102. Said another way, the light anddischarged smoke are collectively configured to produce a dynamicrepresentation of a fire that is viewable from more than 180 degreesabout a vertical axis or centerline of at least one of the apparatus100, the emitted light, or the surface of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the dynamic representation of the fire (or the simulatedflame or electric arc) is viewable from an angle within the range ofmore than 180 degrees up to 360 degrees (e.g., more than about 190degrees, more than about 220 degrees, more than about 235 degrees, morethan about 270 degrees, more than about 315 degrees). For example, insome embodiments, the dynamic representation of the fire (or thesimulated flame or electric arc) is viewable from an angle within therange of 270 degrees to 360 degrees about the surface of the housing102. In another example, in some embodiments, the dynamic representationof the fire (or the simulated flame or electric arc) is viewable fromabout 360 degrees about the surface of the apparatus 100.

Such angle of viewability of the simulated fire is a significantimprovement over known fire training systems that may, at best, providea simulated fire that is viewable from no more than 180 degrees (e.g.,on a substantially flat screen, monitor, television, or the like). Moreparticularly, the increased angle of viewability provides an advantageover known two dimensional fire simulation systems because thesimulation is a more accurate representation of actual circumstancesthat may be encountered by a fire fighter in a live fire event.

The light emitter 120 can be configured to selectively emit light havinga predetermined set of characteristics. The light characteristics caninclude, but are not limited to, wavelength, intensity, color, patternof emission (e.g., continuous, pulsing, intermittent or the like),duration of emission, or the like. The characteristic(s) of the lightcan be determined, for example, based on one or more signals received bythe light emitter 120 from the controller 130. In some arrangements, apredetermined program can be used to control the characteristics of thelight.

The light emitter(s) 120 can be configured to emit light in any suitablecolor, including red, amber, white and blue. In some embodiments, thelight emitter(s) 120 can be configured to emit multicolored light. Forexample, the light emitter(s) 120 can be configured to emit light havingat least two different colors, including at least two of red, amber,white and blue.

The light color, or combination of colors, is configured to produce asimulated representation of a flame or electrical arc when the light isredirected (e.g., by smoke). For example, the light emitter(s) 120 canbe configured to substantially concurrently emit red and amber coloredlight to produce a representation of a flame. In another example, thelight emitter(s) 120 can be configured to substantially concurrentlyemit red, amber, blue and white colored light to produce arepresentation of a flame or flames having greater intensity or heatthan a flame simulated with only red and amber lights. In yet anotherexample, the light emitter(s) 120 can be configured to substantiallyconcurrently emit blue and white colored light to produce arepresentation of an electrical arc. In some implementations, theapparatus 100 can include a series or set of light emitters of differentcolors to produce visual flame or arcing effects.

The color of the light can be selectively emitted based on a signalreceived from the controller 130. The color of the light can bemodulated during use of the apparatus 100 based on a signal receivedfrom the controller 130. For example, the controller 130 can send asignal to the light emitter 120 to change the color of the light orcombination of colors of the light during use.

In some implementations, the light emitter 120 can be configured tochange, during use, the light emitted, such as based on thepredetermined program and/or based on a signal received (e.g., duringuse) from the controller 130. Said another way, the light emitter 120can be configured to emit at a first time (or during a first timeperiod) light having a first set of characteristics and to emit light ata second time (or during a second time period), after the first timelight having a second set of characteristics different from the firstset of characteristics. In this manner, the characteristics of the lightbeing emitted by the light emitter 120 can be changed over time, whichcan be used to help simulate a fire that increases or decreases inintensity over time, to help simulate a resurgence of a fire, to helpsimulate a change in class of fire (e.g., from Class C to Class A)during a fire training scenario.

For example, in some instances, the light emitter 120 can be configuredto emit, at a first time, light having a first set of characteristics,including blue and white colored light representative of an electricalfire. The light emitter 120 can be configured to emit, at a second time,light having a second set of characteristics, including blue, white, redand amber colored light representative of an electrical fire that alsoincludes combusted solids. The light emitter 120 can be configured toemit at a third time, light having a third set of characteristics,including red and amber colored light, but no blue and white light,representative of extinguishment of the electrical component of the fireand continuance of the combustible solid fire (e.g., a change from aClass C to Class A fire).

In another example, in some instances, the light emitter 120 can beconfigured to emit, at a first time, light having a first set ofcharacteristics, including a first intensity. The first intensity can beconfigured, for example, to represent an incipient stage fire. The lightemitter 120 can be configured to emit, at a second time after the firsttime, light having a second set of characteristics, including a secondintensity greater than the first intensity. The second intensity can beconfigured, for example, to represent a growth stage or fully-developedfire. The light emitter 120 can be configured to emit at a second timelight having a third set of characteristics, including a third intensityless than the second intensity, to represent a degree of extinguishmentof the fire.

A change in one or more characteristics of the light, movement of thedischarged smoke (and thus a change in the redirection of the lightthereon), and/or a change in one or more characteristics of the smokeduring a simulated fire event can each help to produce the dynamiceffect of the simulated fire. Said another way, a change in one of moreof the light or the smoke helps to produce the illusion that thesimulated flame(s) and/or electric arc(s) are continuously moving orchanging, as would a flame or electrical arc in a live fire.

As described herein, characteristics of each of the smoke and the lightcan be controlled by the controller 130 of the apparatus 100. Thecontroller 130 can be, for example, a logic controller, a logicprocessor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a custom printedcircuit board (PCB), a general purpose processor, a central processingunit (CPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a field-programmablegate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), adigital signal processor (DSP), and/or the like. The controller 130 isdisposed within the housing 102. More particularly, the controller 130can be wholly disposed within the interior volume of the housing 102.

The controller 130 can be configured to control operation of one or morecomponents of the apparatus 100. For example, in some embodiments, thecontroller 130 is configured to control operation of the smoke generator110 and/or the light emitter 120.

The controller 130 can be programmed with one or more simulated firescenarios, including, but not limited to, fire scenarios associated withone, two, three or more classes of fires (e.g., classes A, B and/or C).Said another way, the controller 130 can be configured to execute aprogram associated with a fire scenario to be simulated such that thecontroller 130 sends one or more signals to the smoke generator 110 togenerate smoke having a predetermined set of characteristics, and/orsends one or more signals to the light emitter 120 to emit light havinga predetermined set of characteristics.

The controller 130 can be configured to control the extinguishmentdifficulty level of the simulated fire. For a predetermined simulatedfire scenario, the extinguishment difficulty level of the simulated firecan be predetermined. The extinguishment difficulty level can varyamongst different simulated fire scenarios, or amongst different levelsof a predetermined simulated fire scenario, and can range from easy todifficult.

In some implementations, the controller 130 is configured to modulateoperation of one or more components of the apparatus 100 during asimulated fire scenario. For example, the controller 130 can beconfigured to change at least one characteristic of the smoke and/or atleast one characteristic of the light based on a pre-programmed firescenario instruction.

In some implementations, the apparatus 100 can be configured to detectthe presence of an extinguishing agent and the controller 130 can beconfigured to modulate, or change, at least one of the smoke beinggenerated or the light being emitted based on or in response to suchdetection. For example, the logic controller 130 can be configured tomodulate the light and the smoke based on or in response to receipt ofan extinguishing agent by a predetermined portion of the housing 102(e.g., having a sensor). Modulation of the light can include causing thelight emitter 120 to change a characteristic of the light or causing thelight emitter 120 to cease emitting the light. Modulation of the smokecan include causing the smoke generator to change a characteristic ofthe smoke or causing the smoke generator to cease generating smoke. Forexample, the controller 130 can be configured to, in response tofeedback from a sensor of the apparatus 100 indicative of detection ofthe extinguishing agent, reduce the amount of light, change a color ofthe light, reduce the volume of smoke being generated over apredetermined time (e.g., volume of smoke per second or minute or hour),reduce the density of smoke being generated, or the like, to simulate adegree of extinguishment of the simulated fire.

Also, as described in more detail herein, in some implementations, theapparatus 100, for example, via the controller 130, is configured to beoperatively coupled to at least one other fire simulation device and/ora live fire training system. In some implementations, the apparatus 100,and in some implementations, the controller 130 particularly, isconfigured for wireless communication with at least one of a differentfire simulation device, a live fire training system, or a remotecontroller, as described in more detail herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus 200 according to anembodiment. The apparatus 200 includes a housing 202, a smoke generator210, at least one light emitter 220, a controller 230, a sensor 240 anda sound system 250. The apparatus 200 can be similar in many respects toapparatus 100 described herein, and components of the apparatus 200,such as the housing 202, smoke generator 210, at least one light emitter220, and/or controller 230, can be similar in many respects, oridentical to, components of the apparatus 100 (such as the housing 102,smoke generator 110, at least one light emitter 120, and controller 130,respectively).

The housing 202 is configured to at least partially house, and in someembodiments, wholly enclose, other components of the apparatus, such asthe smoke generator 210, the light emitter(s) 220, the controller 230,the sensor 240 and the sound system 250, as described herein. Thehousing 202 includes at least one surface, and can include an uppersurface, a lower surface and/or a side surface (e.g., one or more outerwall portions). The housing 202 defines an interior volume, which can bedefined, at least in part, by one or more of the upper surface, lowersurface or side surface, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a top portion of the housing 202 includes at leastthe upper surface of the housing, and a bottom portion of the housing202 includes at least the lower surface of the housing. The housing 202is configured to be disposed on a support surface, such as a floor,lawn, pavement, other ground surface, furniture, vehicle, equipment, orany elevated surface, one or floors of a structure or building, othersuitable support surface. In some embodiments, the housing 202 can beconfigured to float on a liquid support surface. In some embodiments,the housing 202 is configured to be suspended above a support surface(e.g., by a cord or the like coupled to a retaining element of thehousing).

The housing 202 can include a port (not shown in FIG. 2), such as a portsimilar in many respects or identical to a port described above withrespect to housing 102. The port can be configured to permit smokeproduced by the smoke generator disposed within the housing to bedischarged through to an exterior of the housing. In someimplementations, the port is located or positioned with respect to thesurface of the housing 202 such that at least a portion of thedischarged smoke is positioned vertically with respect to the housing202. For example, the port can be included in or defined by a topportion of the housing 202 such that at least a portion of thedischarged smoke is positioned vertically above (e.g., directly overheadof) the housing 202. In some implementations, the port is included in ordefined by a bottom portion of the housing 202 such that at least aportion of the discharged smoke is positioned vertically below (e.g.,directly beneath) the housing 202. In some implementations, the port isdisposed on or defined by the housing such that at least a portion ofthe discharged smoke is positioned with respect to the housing on a side(e.g., above, below, or beside) of the housing opposite the supportsurface. In some implementations, the port has a central axis and thesmoke is configured to be discharged via the port in a directionparallel to and/or aligned with the central axis of the port. In someembodiments, the housing 202 includes a port or other suitable openingby which the housing is configured to receive at least a portion of anextinguishing agent.

The housing 202 can be impervious (e.g., waterproof) orliquid-resistant, so that the housing 202 is configured to protectcomponents therein from coming into contact with, and possibly beingdamaged by, a liquid extinguishing agent (e.g., water, foam, or thelike). More specifically, in some embodiments, at least a portion of thehousing 202 is impervious or resistant to fluid (and, optionally, gas)such that the housing is configured to prevent or resist the fluid (orgas) from contacting internal components of at least one of the lightemitters, the smoke generator, or the controller. In some embodiments,the housing 202 is impervious or liquid-resistant, except for a portdefined by the housing (e.g., the port configured to receive at least aportion of the extinguishing agent or the port configured to dischargesmoke from the housing). The housing 202, for example, can beconstructed of any suitable material, such as a material describedherein with respect to housing 102.

In some implementations, the housing 202 includes at least one doorconfigured to provide access to the interior volume and/or a componentof the apparatus 200 at least partially disposed within the interiorvolume. The housing 202 can include a seal, flange, or the like disposedabout the perimeter of the door to help prevent or resist liquid (orgas) from passing therethrough to the interior volume when the door isin a closed position. The housing 202 can include one or more legmembers configured to be disposed on a support surface and optionallyconfigured to space the housing 202 away from the support surface by apredetermined distance such that the housing 202 is spaced apart from avolume of extinguishing agent that may accumulate on the supportsurface. The housing 202 can have any suitable size characteristic(height, width, or the like) or weight, such as that described hereinwith respect to housing 102.

The smoke generator 210 of the apparatus 200 is at least partially, orcompletely, disposed within the interior volume of the housing 202. Thesmoke generator 210 is configured to generate smoke. The smoke generator210 can include or be similar to a theatrical smoke machine or fogmachine. The smoke generator 210 can be an electro-mechanical unit thatcan include a heating element (not shown in FIG. 2), electroniccircuitry, and optionally a pump (not shown in FIG. 2). The electroniccircuitry is operatively coupled to the heating element to maintain theheating element within a predetermined range of temperatures, when thesmoke generator 210 is in use. In use, the smoke fluid is moved (e.g.,via the pump, pressure, gravity, or the like) through the heatingelement such that the fluid is vaporized to form smoke vapor. The smokefluid can be a water-based fluid, such as glycol and water, or anoil-based fluid. In some embodiments, the smoke generator 210 caninclude a fan configured to help discharge the smoke (or smoke vapor)from the apparatus 200.

In some implementations, the smoke generator 210 is configured toselectively generate smoke. For example, the smoke generator 210 can beconfigured to generate smoke in response to a command or signal receivedfrom the controller 230. The smoke generator 210 can be configured togenerate smoke having one or more predetermined characteristics, such asvolume, density, or other suitable characteristic, for example, based onthe command or signal received from the controller 230. The smoke isconfigured to redirect light emitted thereon such that the smoke canvisually appear to glow, thereby simulating the appearance of a flame orelectrical arc.

The smoke generator 210 can be configured for variable output of smoke.In some instances, the smoke generator 210 is configured to generate ata first time a first volume of smoke having a first set ofcharacteristics and to generate at a second time, later than the firsttime, a second volume of smoke having a second set of characteristics.The first set of characteristics can be associated with, for example, afirst class (or combination of classes) of fire, a first intensity offire, a first stage of fire, or the like, and the second set ofcharacteristics can be associated with, for example, a second class offire, a second intensity of fire, a second stage of fire, or the like.In this manner, the smoke generator 210 can facilitate simulation offire at different stages, such as a small fire (e.g., an incipient stagefire), a medium fire (e.g., a growth stage fire), a large fire (e.g.,fully developed stage fire) or a decaying fire or a fire close to beingextinguished. Also in this manner, the smoke generator 202 canfacilitate simulation of extinguishment of a fire, by producing agreater volume and/or more dense smoke at the first time and a lesservolume and/or less dense smoke at the second time. In some instances,the smoke generator 210 is configured to transition from generation ofthe first volume of smoke to generation of the second volume of smokewithout an interruption in smoke generation.

The smoke generator 210 can be configured to discharge at least aportion of the smoke, such as via one, two, or more ports of the housing202. In this manner, the apparatus 200 is configured to discharge atleast a portion of the smoke such that the portion of the smoke isvertically disposed with respect to the housing 202, as describedherein.

The smoke generator can be configured to generate smoke using, forexample theatrical smoke fluid (e.g., a mixture of water and propyleneglycol). In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes a reservoir(e.g., disposed within the interior volume of the housing 202) (notshown in FIG. 2) that is configured to contain a volume of the smokefluid and to permit the smoke fluid to be conveyed to the smokegenerator.

The light emitter 220 is configured to emit light, to facilitatesimulation of a dynamic representation of a fire, as described herein.The light emitter 220 is coupled to the housing 202. In somearrangements, the light emitter 220 can be disposed on or coupleddirectly to the surface of the housing 202. In some arrangements, thelight emitter 220 can be at least partially disposed in the interiorvolume of the housing 202. In some arrangements, the light emitter 220includes a light emitting diode (“LED”), or multiple LEDs. In somearrangements, the light emitter can include one or more of a LED, astrobe light, a laser, an incandescent light bulb, a halogen lamp, afluorescent light, fiber optics, or a combination thereof.

The light emitter 220 can include one or more light emitters, which canbe arranged in any suitable configuration with respect to the housing202. For example, the light emitters 220 can be arranged in a pattern(e.g., on the surface of the housing 202), for example, in two or moreparallel rows, in two or more staggered parallel rows, in concentriccircles, or in a circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, square, diamond,star or other desired shaped pattern.

The light emitter 220 can be configured to emit light towards a volumeof space adjoining the housing 202. For example, in some embodiments,the light emitter 220 is configured to emit light in a directionparallel to, or the same as, the direction in which smoke is dischargedfrom the housing 202. In another example, the light emitter 220 isconfigured to emit light towards a volume of space adjoining thehousing, such as in a vertical direction with respect to the housing 202(e.g., overhead or beneath). More particularly, the light emitter 220can be configured to emit light towards at least a portion of the smokedischarged from the housing 202. In some instances, the light emitter220 is configured to emit the light such that the light is transmitted anon-zero distance beyond the surface of the housing 202, for example upto five feet, up to ten feet, up to fifteen feet, or up to twenty feetbeyond the surface of the housing 202.

The light is configured to be redirected by at least a portion of thedischarged smoke, which can cause the portion of smoke to visuallyappear as though it is glowing or illuminated. In this manner, the lightemitted by the light emitter 220 and the portion of smoke arecollectively configured to simulate a flame or electric arc above thesurface of the housing.

The light emitted by the light emitter 220 and at least the portion ofdischarged smoke are collectively configured to simulate the flame orelectric arc above the surface of the housing 202 such that thesimulated flame or electric arc is viewable from more than 180 degreesabout the surface of the housing 202. Said another way, the light anddischarged smoke are collectively configured to produce a dynamicrepresentation of a fire that is viewable from more than 180 degreesabout a vertical axis or centerline of at least one of the apparatus200, the emitted light, or the surface of the housing 202. In someimplementations, the dynamic representation of the fire (or thesimulated flame or electric arc) is viewable from an angle within therange of more than 180 degrees up to 360 degrees (e.g., more than about190 degrees, more than about 220 degrees, more than about 235 degrees,more than about 270 degrees, more than about 315 degrees. For example,in some implementations, the dynamic representation of the fire (or thesimulated flame or electric arc) is viewable from an angle within therange of 270 degrees to 360 degrees about the surface of the housing. Inanother example, in some implementations, the dynamic representation ofthe fire (or the simulated flame or electric arc) is viewable from about360 degrees about the surface of the apparatus 200.

The light emitter 220 can be configured to selectively emit light havinga predetermined set of characteristics. The light characteristics caninclude, but are not limited to, wavelength, intensity, color, patternof emission (e.g., continuous, pulsing, intermittent or the like),duration of emission, or the like. The characteristic(s) of the lightcan be determined, for example, based on one or more signals received bythe light emitter 220 from the controller 230. In some embodiments, apredetermined program can be used to control the characteristics of thelight.

The light emitter 220 can be configured to emit light in any suitablecolor, including red, amber, white and blue. In some implementations,the light emitter 220 can be configured to emit multicolored light. Forexample, the light emitter 220 can be configured to emit light having atleast two different colors, including at least two of red, amber, whiteand blue.

The light color, or combination of colors, is configured to produce asimulated representation of a flame or electrical arc when the light isredirected (e.g., by smoke). For example, the light emitter 220 can beconfigured to substantially concurrently emit red and amber coloredlight to produce a representation of a flame. In another example, thelight emitter 220 can be configured to substantially concurrently emitred, amber, blue and white colored light to produce a representation ofa flame or flames having greater intensity or heat than a flamesimulated with only red and amber lights. In yet another example, thelight emitter 220 can be configured to substantially concurrently emitblue and white colored light to produce a representation of anelectrical arc.

The color of the light can be selectively emitted based on a signalreceived from the controller 230. The color of the light can bemodulated during use of the apparatus 200 based on a signal receivedfrom the controller 230. For example, the controller 230 can send asignal to the light emitter 220 to change the color of the light orcombination of colors of the light during use.

In some implementations, the light emitter 220 can be configured tochange, during use, the light emitted, such as based on thepredetermined program and/or based on a signal received (e.g., duringuse) from the controller 230. Said another way, the light emitter 220can be configured to emit at a first time (or during a first timeperiod) light having a first set of characteristics and to emit light ata second time (or during a second time period), after the first timelight having a second set of characteristics different from the firstset of characteristics. In this manner, the characteristics of the lightbeing emitted by the light emitter 220 can be changed over time, whichcan be used to help simulate a fire that increases or decreases inintensity over time, to help simulate a resurgence of a fire, to helpsimulate a change in class of fire (e.g., from Class C to Class A)during a fire training scenario.

For example, in some embodiments, the light emitter 220 can beconfigured to emit, at a first time, light having a first set ofcharacteristics, including blue and white colored light representativeof an electrical fire. The light emitter 220 can be configured to emit,at a second time, light having a second set of characteristics,including blue, white, red and amber colored light representative of anelectrical fire that also includes combusted solids. The light emitter220 can be configured to emit at a third time, light having a third setof characteristics, including red and amber colored light, but no blueand white light, representative of extinguishment of the electricalcomponent of the fire and continuance of the combustible solid fire(e.g., a change from a Class C to Class A fire).

In another example, in some embodiments, the light emitter 220 can beconfigured to emit, at a first time, light having a first set ofcharacteristics, including a first intensity. The first intensity can beconfigured, for example, to represent an incipient stage fire. The lightemitter 220 can be configured to emit, at a second time after the firsttime, light having a second set of characteristics, including a secondintensity greater than the first intensity. The second intensity can beconfigured, for example, to represent a growth stage or fully developedfire. The light emitter 220 can be configured to emit at a second timelight having a third set of characteristics, including a third intensityless than the second intensity, to represent a degree of extinguishmentof the fire.

A change in one or more characteristics of the light, movement of thedischarged smoke (and thus a change in the redirection of the lightthereon), and/or a change in one or more characteristics of the smokeduring a simulated fire event can each help to produce the dynamiceffect of the simulated fire. Said another way, a change in one of moreof the light or the smoke helps to produce the illusion that thesimulated flame(s) and/or electric arc(s) are continuously moving orchanging, as would a flame or electrical arc in a live fire.

The sound system 250 of the apparatus 200 is configured to enhance therealism of the fire simulation scenario, by providing a sound componentto the training environment that includes at least one or more soundsthat may be heard during a live fire event, which sounds firefightersare often trained to listen for during a search and rescue operation.For example, in some embodiments, the sound system 250 is configured tooutput at least one sound associated with at least one class of fire.For example, the sound system 250 can be configured to output from theapparatus 200 a sound associated with a Class A fire or a Class B fire,such as a crackling, popping, or hissing sound. In another example, thesound system 250 can be configured to output from the apparatus 200 asound associated with a Class C fire, such as an electrical arcingsound. In still another example, the sound system 250 can be configuredto output a sound associated with the environment in which the firescenario is simulated to occur. Such sounds may include one or more of acrying baby, child, or person, a person screaming, a barking dog, ameowing cat, a sound of a structure falling or collapsing, or the like,or any combination thereof.

The sound system 250 can include, for example, a sound player 252, anaudio amplifier 254 and a speaker 256. The sound system 250 ismechanically coupled to the housing 202. In some implementations, atleast a portion of the sound system 250 is disposed within the interiorvolume of the housing 202. In some implementations, at least a portionof the sound system 250 is coupled to the surface of the housing 202.For example, in some implementations, the digital sound player 252 andthe audio amplifier 254 are disposed within the interior volume of thehousing 202 and the speaker 256 is partially disposed within the housing202 and partially disposed on the surface of the housing 202. In someimplementations, the speaker 256 is directly coupled to the bottomportion of the housing 202, and thus one or more of the leg members canbe included in the housing 202 to space the bottom portion of thehousing 202 apart from the support surface to better permit sound to betransmitted from the speaker to the environment around the apparatus200. In another example, each component of the sound system 250 isdisposed within the interior volume of the housing 202, and the housing202 is configured with an opening through which sound from the speaker256 can be transmitted to outside of the housing. The speaker 256 can beimpervious (e.g., waterproof) or liquid (e.g., water) resistant.

In some implementations, the sound player 252 is a digital sound player.The sound(s) can be included in at least one audio recording stored inthe sound player 252. In some instances, the sound player 252 includestwo or more audio recordings, each with a different sound or combinationof sounds. In use, the sound player 252 can be configured to selectivelyoutput at least one audio recording from the two or more audiorecordings.

In some implementations, the sound player is a multichannel digitalsound player. In this manner, the sound player 252 can be configured toplay one or multiple audio recordings (or sound file portions) during apredetermined time period. For example, the sound player 252 can beconfigured to play a first audio recording that includes at least onesound associated with a fire and substantially concurrently play asecond audio recording that includes at least one sound associated witha person or animal.

The sound system 250 is configured to output the one or more sounds at avolume for the sound(s) to be heard by a person participating in thefire training scenario without the assistance of a hearing device, andat a predetermined distance from the apparatus 200. For example, thesound system 250 can be configured to output a sound(s) at a volume thatpermits the sound to be heard outside of a closed room or from adistance within the range of about 25 feet to about 200 feet from theapparatus 200.

The sound system 250 can be configured to produce (output) a sound basedon or in response to a signal received from the controller 230. In someembodiments, the sound system 250 can be selectively controlled by thecontroller 230, as described in more detail herein. As such, the timingof output of the sound(s) can be coordinated by the controller (or via aprogram) with smoke generation and light emission, to producecollectively a desired or predetermined fire simulation scenario. Saidanother way, the sound system 250 can be configured to output an audiblerepresentation of a fire during a time period that the smoke generator210 and light emitter 220 collectively output a dynamic visualrepresentation of the fire. In this manner, the apparatus 200 isconfigured to substantially simultaneously output a dynamic visual andaudible representation of the fire.

The apparatus 200 can optionally include a heating element 260,indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 2. The heating element 260 isconfigured to permit the simulator to be seen or viewed via a thermalimaging camera, including in a dark, smoky environment. The heatingelement 260 can include a wire, coil, straight ribbon, corrugatedribbon, or strip of a suitable material that emits heat when power issupplied therethrough. For example, the heating element 260 can includea metal or metal alloy, such as steel (e.g., stainless steel), iron,nickel (e.g., nickel-chromium), copper, titanium, or the like, and/or aceramic material. When an electrical current (from a power source, suchas a battery, power pack, AC or DC power, or the like) is passed throughthe heating element, the metal or metal alloy, e.g., nickel-chromium,material converts the electrical energy to heat that can radiate fromthe heating element in multiple directions.

The heating element 260 can be at least partially, or wholly, disposedwithin the housing 202, or can be at least partially, or wholly,disposed on a surface of the housing 202. The heating element 260 can beconfigured to be in electrical communication with a power source, suchas via electronic circuitry coupled to and/or disposed within thehousing. The heating element 260, in some embodiments, is distinct from(e.g., is a separate component than) the smoke generator 210 and/or theone or more light emitters 220. The heating element 260 is configured togenerate an amount of heat (e.g., a “hot spot”) representative of atleast one of a fire or a body (e.g., a living body, such as a person oranimal). In this manner, the apparatus 200 is configured to facilitatefire fighter training that includes the use of thermal imaging equipmentfor search and rescue operations.

The heating element 260 can be thermostatically controllable. In someembodiments, the heating element 260 is configured to be controlled ormodulated by the controller 230. For example, the apparatus 200 caninclude a thermostat, such as a mechanical thermostat or processor-basedtemperature controls (including, but not limited to a remote temperatureprobe, a temperature alarm, or the like). The thermostat (or temperaturecontroller) can be integrated with the controller 230, or can be inelectrical communication with the controller 230. In this manner, insome embodiments, the heating element 260 can be configured to generatethe amount of heat in response to a signal from the controller 230, tochange (increase or decrease) the amount of heat being generated by theheating element 260 in response to a signal from the controller 230and/or cease generating heat in response to a signal from the controller230. In some instances, the controller 230 is configured to cause theheating element 260 to generate the amount of heat during a time periodthat is prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to a time period duringwhich the smoke generator 210 and one or more light emitters 220collectively output a dynamic visual representation of a fire.

The sensor 240 is coupled to the housing 202. In some embodiments, thesensor 240 is disposed within the interior volume of the housing 202.More specifically, in some embodiments, the sensor can be disposedwithin the bottom portion of the housing 202. The housing 202 can beconfigured to receive and/or collect, at least temporarily, an amount ofextinguishing agent applied to the housing 202, such as during a firetraining scenario.

For example, in some embodiments, the top portion of the housing 202includes the port or opening through which the housing 202 can receivethe extinguishing agent. The housing 202 can include a lumen (not shownin FIG. 2) (e.g., a drain line or channel) extended from the port oropening to a bottom portion of the housing 202 (e.g., to an exit port ordrain opening defined by or coupled to the bottom portion of the housing202, or at least a location of the housing 202 lower than the sensor240). The lumen is configured to permit the extinguishing agent receivedvia the opening or port of the top portion of the housing 202 to flow orotherwise move towards the exit port. The sensor 240 can be positionedwithin the housing 202 adjacent to the lumen or inline with the lumen.

The sensor 240 is configured to detect an extinguishing agent. In someembodiments, the sensor 240 is configured to detect a liquidextinguishing agent, such as water or foam. In some embodiments, thesensor 240 is configured to detect a dry extinguishing agent, such as apowder or carbon dioxide (CO₂). The sensor 240 can be configured todetect two or more types of extinguishing agents (e.g., to detect both aliquid agent and a dry agent), or a combination thereof. In anotherexample, the sensor 240 can be configured to detect the presence orpassage of the extinguishing agent within the lumen. In someimplementations, the sensor 240 is configured to detect a predeterminedamount of the extinguishing agent. For example, in some implementations,the sensor 240 is configured to detect a first predetermined amount ofthe extinguishing agent (e.g., at a first time), and a secondpredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent (e.g., at a second timedifferent from the first time). The sensor 240 can be configured to senda signal to the controller 230 based on or in response to the detectionof the predetermined amount (e.g., the first predetermined amount and/orthe second predetermined amount) of the extinguishing agent. In someimplementations, the sensor 240 can be configured to detect that apredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent has moved within thelumen of the housing 202 (e.g., past or through the sensor). In someimplementations, the sensor 240 is configured to detect a durationduring which the extinguishing agent is present in the housing 202and/or moves through the lumen of the housing 202.

As described herein, characteristics of each of the smoke, light, soundand heat generated or otherwise produced or output by a component of theapparatus 200 can be controlled by the controller 230 of the apparatus200. The controller 230 can be, for example, a logic controller, a logicprocessor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a custom printedcircuit board, or the like. The controller 230 is disposed within thehousing 202. More particularly, the controller 230 can be whollydisposed within the interior volume of the housing 202.

The controller 230 can be configured to control operation of one or morecomponents of the apparatus 200. For example, in some embodiments, thecontroller 230 is configured to control operation of the smoke generator210, the light emitter(s) 220, the sensor 240, the sound system 250,and/or the heating element 260.

The controller can be programmed with one or more simulated firescenarios, including, but not limited to, fire scenarios associated withone, two, three or more classes of fires (e.g., classes A, B and/or C).Said another way, the controller 230 can be configured to execute aprogram associated with a fire scenario to be simulated such that thecontroller 230 selectively sends one or more signals to the smokegenerator 210 to generate smoke having a predetermined set ofcharacteristics, sends one or more signals to the light emitter 220 toemit light having a predetermined set of characteristics, sends one ormore signals to the sound system 250 to output at least one audiorecording, and/or sends one or more signals to the heating element 260to generate heat within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., withinthe range of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit to about 1000 degreesFahrenheit, or about 200 degrees Fahrenheit). In other words, controller230 can send a signal(s) to various components of apparatus 200 to causeor trigger those components to generate an output based on or inresponse to the signal(s).

The controller 230 can be configured to control the extinguishmentdifficulty level of the simulated fire. For a predetermined simulatedfire scenario, the extinguishment difficulty level of the simulated firecan be predetermined. The extinguishment difficulty level can varyamongst different simulated fire scenarios, or amongst different levelsof a predetermined simulated fire scenario, and can range from easy todifficult. For example, in some instances, the controller 230 candetermine a threshold amount of an extinguishing agent and can beconfigured to send a signal to the sensor 240 indicative of thethreshold amount of extinguishing agent to be detected by the sensor. Aneasy extinguishment-difficulty-level for a simulated fire scenario canbe associated with a low threshold amount being determined by thecontroller 230. Similarly, a difficult extinguishment-difficulty-levelfor a simulated fire scenario can be associated with a high thresholdamount being determined by the controller 230.

In some embodiments, the controller 230 is configured to modulateoperation of one or more components of the apparatus 200 during asimulated fire scenario. For example, the controller 230 can beconfigured to change at least one characteristic of the smoke, at leastone characteristic of the light, at least one characteristic of the heat(e.g., temperature), and/or at least one characteristic of the sound(e.g., volume, or audio recording selection) based on a pre-programmedfire scenario instruction.

In some embodiments, the controller 230 can be configured to modulate,or change, at least one of the smoke being generated, the light beingemitted, the heat being generated, or the sound being output, based onor in response to detection by the sensor 240 of the first predeterminedamount of the extinguishing agent. For example, the logic controller 230can be configured to modulate the light, the smoke, the heat, or thesound based on or in response to receipt of a first predetermined amountof the extinguishing agent by a predetermined portion of the housing 202(e.g., the lumen). Modulation of the light can include causing the lightemitter 220 to change a characteristic of the light or to cease emittingthe light. Modulation of the smoke can include causing the smokegenerator to change a characteristic of the smoke or to cease generatingsmoke. Modulation of the sound can include causing the sound system 250to change the volume at which the audio recording or sound is outputand/or can including causing the sound system 250 to output a differentor additional audio recording. Modulation of the heat can includecausing the heating element 260 to generate heating having a differenttemperature or a temperature within a different range of temperatures.

For example, the controller 230 can be configured to, in response to asignal from the sensor 240 based on or in response to detection of thepredetermined amount (e.g., a first amount) of the extinguishing agent,reduce the amount of light, change a color of the light, reduce thevolume of smoke being generated over a predetermined time (e.g., volumeof smoke per second or minute or hour), reduce the density of smokebeing generated, decrease a volume of the audio recording output, ceaseoutputting the audio recording, reduce the temperature of the heatgenerated by the heating element 260, or the like, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing, to simulate a degree of extinguishment ofthe simulated fire. In another example, the controller 230 can beconfigured to, in response to a signal (e.g., a second or subsequentsignal) from the sensor 240 based on or in response to detection of thesecond predetermined amount of the extinguishing agent, cease emissionof or reduce the amount of light, change a color of the light, ceasesmoke generation, reduce the volume of smoke being generated over apredetermined time (e.g., volume of smoke per second or minute or hour),reduce the density of smoke being generated, cease output of the audiorecording, decrease the volume of the audio recording output, cease heatgeneration by the heating element 260, or the like, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing, to simulate a further degree ofextinguishment or total extinguishment of the simulated fire.

Also, as described in more detail herein, in some embodiments, theapparatus 200, for example, via the controller 230, is configured to beoperatively coupled to at least one other fire simulation device and/ora live fire training system. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200, andin some implementations, the controller 230 particularly, is configuredfor wireless communication with at least one of a different firesimulation device(s), a live fire training system(s), or a remotecontroller(s). For example, the apparatus 200 can optionally include awireless receiver 270 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2) coupled to thehousing and in operative communication with the controller 230. Thecontroller 230 is configured to receive a signal from a remotecontroller via the wireless receiver. The signal from the remotecontroller can be configured to cause the controller 230 to modulateoperation of at least one of the light emitter 220 or the smokegenerator 210. The remote controller can be, for example, another firesimulation apparatus. In another example, the remote controller can be alive fire training system or unit, or a controller thereof. In stillanother example, the remote controller can be, for example, a personalcomputer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, alaptop, a tablet PC, a server device, a workstation, a different firesimulator, or the like. In some embodiments, the remote controllerallows for remote operation of the apparatus 200 so that an instructor,for example, can initiate or change a simulated fire or fire conditionremotely to present an element of surprise to a firefighting trainee whomay be close to the apparatus at the time it is remotely controlled.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of an apparatus 1000according to an embodiment. The apparatus 1000 is configured to producea fire training scenario, or portion thereof. In particular, forexample, the apparatus 1000 is configured to output a dynamic visual andaudible representation of a fire. The apparatus 1000 can be similar inmany respects to apparatus 100, 200 described herein, and components ofthe apparatus 1000, such as a housing 1020, smoke generator 1100, lightemitters 1200, controller 1300, sensor 1400, sound system 1500, and/orheating element 1600 can be similar in many respects, or identical to,components of the apparatus 100, 200 (such as the housing 102, 202,smoke generator 110, 210, at least one light emitter 120, 220,controller 130, 230, sensor 240, sound system 250, and/or heatingelement 260, respectively). The apparatus 1000 can include electroniccircuitry (not shown in FIG. 3) configured to electrically couple thesmoke generator 1100, light emitters 1200, controller 1300, sensor 1400,sound system 1500, and/or heating element 1600.

The apparatus 1000 includes a housing 1020 having a top portion 1022(e.g., a removable lid) and a bottom portion 1024. The top portion 1022and bottom portion 1024 of the housing 1020 collectively define aninterior volume 1030. The top portion 1022 includes a top or uppersurface 1026. The bottom portion 1024 includes a bottom or lower surface1028. The housing includes four side walls 1018 extended between theupper surface 1026 and the lower surface 1028, to form a generallysquare or rectangular shaped housing 1020. Although the housing 1020 isshown as being substantially square or rectangular, in otherembodiments, the housing 1020 can have any suitable shape (e.g.,cylindrical, conical, pyramid, or other suitable shape). The housing1020 can include a seal, flange, or the like disposed betweenoverlapping portions of the top portion 1022 of the housing and thebottom portion 1024 of the housing when the top portion 1022 is coupledto the bottom portion 1024. The seal or the like is configured to helpprevent liquid (e.g., in some embodiments, including the extinguishingagent) from passing therethrough to the interior volume 1030.

The housing 1020 is configured to be disposed on a support surface, suchas a floor, lawn, pavement, other ground surface, furniture, vehicle,equipment, or any other suitable support surface. For example, thehousing 1020 can include a substantially planar or flat lower surface1028 such that the housing 1020 can be stably disposed on the supportsurface.

The housing 1020 can be impervious (e.g., waterproof) orliquid-resistant, so that the housing 1020 is configured to protectcomponents therein from coming into contact with, and possibly beingdamaged by, a liquid extinguishing agent (e.g., water, foam, or thelike). More specifically, in some embodiments, at least a portion of thehousing 1020 is impervious or resistant to fluid (and, optionally, gas)such that the housing is configured to prevent the fluid (or gas) fromcontacting internal components of at least one of the light emitters,the smoke generator, or the controller. In some embodiments, the housing1020 is impervious or liquid-resistant, except for a port defined by thehousing (e.g., the port configured to receive at least a portion of theextinguishing agent or the port configured to discharge smoke from thehousing). The housing 1020, for example, can be constructed of anysuitable material, such as a material described herein with respect tohousing 102.

The housing 1020 is configured to at least partially house, and in someembodiments, wholly enclose, other components of the apparatus, such asthe smoke generator 1100, the light emitter(s) 1200, the controller1300, the sensor 1400, the sound system 1500, and/or the heating element1600. Although various components of the apparatus 1000 are shown inFIG. 3 as being disposed in the housing 1020 in a certain location,position or orientation, such components can be disposed in the housingin any number of suitable configurations.

The smoke generator 1100 of the apparatus 1000 is disposed within theinterior volume 1030 of the housing 1020. The smoke generator 1100 canbe similar or identical to any smoke generator described herein (e.g.,smoke generator 110, 210), and can include similar or identicalcomponents of any smoke generator described herein. The smoke generator1100 is configured to generate smoke. More particularly, the smokegenerator 1100 is configured to selectively generate smoke, for example,in response to a command or signal received from the controller 1300.The smoke generator 1100 can be configured to generate smoke having oneor more predetermined characteristics including, but not limited to,volume, density, or other suitable characteristic that can be based, forexample, on the command or signal received by the smoke generator 1100from the controller 1300. The smoke is configured to redirect lightemitted thereon such that the smoke can visually appear to glow, therebysimulating the appearance of a flame or electrical arc.

The smoke generator 1100 can be configured for variable output of smoke.In some embodiments, the smoke generator 1100 is configured to generateat a first time a first volume of smoke having a first set ofcharacteristics and to generate at a second time, later than the firsttime, a second volume of smoke having a second set of characteristics.The first set of characteristics can be associated with, for example, afirst class of fire, a first intensity of fire, a first stage of fire,or the like, and the second set of characteristics can be associatedwith, for example, a second class of fire, a second intensity of fire, asecond stage of fire, or the like. In this manner, the smoke generator1100 can facilitate simulation of fire at different stages, such as asmall fire (e.g., an incipient stage fire), a medium fire (e.g., agrowth stage fire), a large fire (e.g., fully-developed-stage fire) or adecaying fire or a fire close to being extinguished. Also in thismanner, the smoke generator 1100 can facilitate simulation ofextinguishment of a fire, by producing a greater volume and/or moredense smoke at the first time and a lesser volume and/or less densesmoke at the second time. The smoke generator 1100 can be configuredchange one or more characteristics of the smoke without interruption inthe generation of the smoke.

The smoke generator 1100 can be configured to generate smoke using, forexample theatrical smoke fluid (e.g., a mixture of water and propyleneglycol). In some embodiments, the apparatus 1000 includes a reservoir(e.g., disposed within the interior volume 1030 of the housing 1020)(not shown in FIG. 3) that is configured to contain a volume of thesmoke fluid and to permit the smoke fluid to be conveyed to the smokegenerator 1100.

The smoke generator 1100 can be configured to discharge at least aportion of the smoke, such as via one, two, or more ports of thehousing. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 1020 includes aport 1040 configured to permit smoke produced by the smoke generator1100 disposed in the interior volume 1030 of the housing 1020 to bedischarged therethrough to an exterior of the housing 1020. The port1040 is defined by or located on the upper surface 1026 of the housing1020 such that at least a portion of the smoke, when discharged, ispositioned vertically above (e.g., directly overhead of) with respect tothe housing 1020. The port 1040 has a central axis and the smoke isconfigured to be discharged via the port in a direction parallel toand/or aligned with the central axis of the port. A tube 1042 is anelongate member having a lumen and is extended between the port 1040 andthe smoke generator 1100. The tube 1042 fluidically couples the smokegenerator 1100 and the port 1040 such that smoke generated by the smokegenerator 1100, as described herein, can be discharged via the port 1040to outside of the housing 1020.

The housing 1020 includes a diffuser 1050 coupled to the upper surface1026 of the top portion 1022 of the housing 1020. As shown, the diffuser1050 is a transparent or semi-transparent diffuser plate that is coupledto the upper surface 1026 of the housing 1020 by posts 1054 (with eightposts shown in FIG. 3, although any suitable number of posts can beincluded). The posts 1054 are configured to couple the diffuser 1050 tothe surface of the housing 1020 such that the diffuser is spaced apart(by a non-zero distance) from the surface of the top portion 1022 of thehousing 1020. The posts 1054 are also configured to couple the diffuser1050 to the surface of the housing 1020 such that the diffuser isdisposed over and spaced apart from the port 1040, as shown in FIG. 3.The diffuser 1050 is configured to change a direction of movement of atleast a portion of smoke discharged from the apparatus 1000. In thismanner, the diffuser 1050 is configured to widen the distribution of theportion of the discharged smoke, and thereby widen a base portion of asimulated fire (or simulated flame or electric arc).

The apparatus 1000 includes one or more light emitters 1200 configuredto emit light to facilitate simulation of a dynamic representation of afire, as described herein. The light emitters 1200 are coupled to thehousing 1020. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the light emitters 1200are disposed on and coupled to the upper surface 1026 of the housing1020. The light emitters 1200 are positioned with respect to the housing1020 between the upper surface 1026 of the housing and the diffuser1050. Because the diffuser 1050 is transparent or semi-transparent,light emitted by the light emitters 1200 can be transmitted through thediffuser 1050. The diffuser can be constructed of any suitable materialincluding, for example, glass, acrylic, (e.g., Plexiglas®, Lexan®),polycarbonate, plastic, or other suitable material or combination of theforegoing.

The light emitters 1200 can include one or more of a LED, a strobelight, a laser, an incandescent light bulb, a halogen lamp, afluorescent light, fiber optics, or a combination thereof. Also, thelight emitters 1200 can be arranged in any suitable configuration withrespect to the housing. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the lightemitters 1200 are LEDs arranged in two substantially parallel rows. Inother arrangements, however, the light emitters 1200 can be arranged ina different pattern, for example, in a single row, in three or moreparallel rows, in two or more staggered parallel rows, in concentriccircles, or in a circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, square, diamond,star or other desired shaped pattern.

The light emitters 1200 are configured to emit light towards a volume ofspace adjoining the housing 1020. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the lightemitters 1200 are configured to emit light in a direction parallel to,or the same as, the direction in which smoke is discharged from thehousing 1020. More particularly, the light emitters 1200 can beconfigured to emit light towards at least a portion of the smokedischarged from the housing 1020. Said another way, the light emitters1200 are configured to emit light towards a volume of space adjoiningthe housing, such as in a vertical direction with respect to (e.g.,overhead of) the housing, represented by arrows AA in FIGS. 4-5. Thelight emitters 1200 are configured to emit the light such that the lightis transmitted a non-zero distance beyond the upper surface 1026 of thehousing 1020, for example up to five feet, up to ten feet, up to fifteenfeet, or up to twenty feet or more beyond the surface of the housing1020.

The portion of light transmitted through the smoke is configured to beredirected by at least a portion of the discharged smoke, which cancause the portion of smoke to visually appear as though it is glowing orilluminated. In this manner, the light emitted by the light emitters1200 and the portion of smoke are collectively configured to simulate aflame or electric arc above the surface of the housing 1020. Saidanother way, the light emitters 1200, by the light emitted therefrom,and the smoke generator 1100, by the smoke generated and dischargedtherefrom, are collectively configured to produce a dynamic visualrepresentation of a fire, as shown in FIGS. 6-9.

The light emitted by the light emitters 1200 and at least the portion ofdischarged smoke are collectively configured to simulate the flame orelectric arc above the surface of the housing such that the simulatedflame or electric arc is viewable from more than 180 degrees about thesurface of the housing 1020. Said another way, the light and dischargedsmoke are collectively configured to produce a dynamic representation ofa fire that is viewable from more than 180 degrees about a vertical axisor centerline of at least one of the apparatus 1000, the emitted light,or the surface of the housing 1020. In some embodiments, the dynamicrepresentation of the fire (or the simulated flame or electric arc) isviewable from an angle within the range of more than 180 degrees up to360 degrees (e.g., more than about 190 degrees, more than about 200degrees, more than about 235 degrees, more than about 270 degrees, morethan about 315 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the dynamicrepresentation of the fire (or the simulated flame or electric arc) isviewable from an angle within the range of 270 degrees to 360 degreesabout the surface of the housing 1020. In another example, in someembodiments, the dynamic representation of the fire (or the simulatedflame or electric arc) is viewable from about 360 degrees about thesurface of the apparatus 1000, as shown in FIGS. 6-9.

The light emitters 1200 can be configured to selectively emit lighthaving a predetermined set of characteristics. The light characteristicscan include, but are not limited to, wavelength, intensity, color,pattern of emission (e.g., continuous mode, pulsating mode, intermittentmode, or the like), duration of emission, or the like. Thecharacteristic(s) of the light can be determined, for example, based onone or more signals received by the light emitters 1200 from thecontroller 1300. In some embodiments, a predetermined program can beused to control the characteristics of the light.

The light emitters 1200 can be configured to emit light in any suitablecolor, including red, amber, white and blue. In some embodiments, thelight emitters 1200 can be configured to emit multicolored light. Forexample, the light emitters 1200 can be configured to emit light havingat least two different colors, including at least two of red, amber,white and blue. In another example, at least a first light emitter fromthe light emitters 1200 can be configured to emit light having a firstcolor and at least a second light emitter from the light emitters 1200can be configured to emit light having a second color, different fromthe first color. In another example, at least one light emitter of thelight emitters 1200 can be configured to emit light in two or morecolors.

The light color, or combination of colors, is configured to produce asimulated representation of a flame or electrical arc when the light isredirected (e.g., by smoke). For example, the light emitters 1200 can beconfigured to substantially concurrently emit red and amber coloredlight to produce a representation of a flame. In another example, thelight emitters 1200 can be configured to substantially concurrently emitred, amber, blue and white colored light to produce a representation ofa flame or flames having greater intensity or heat than a flamesimulated with only red and amber lights. In yet another example, thelight emitters 1200 can be configured to substantially concurrently emitblue and white colored light to produce a representation of anelectrical arc.

The color of the light can be selectively emitted based on a signalreceived from the controller 1300. The color of the light can bemodulated during use of the apparatus 1000 based on a signal receivedfrom the controller 1300. For example, the controller 1300 can send asignal to the light emitters 1200 to change the color of the light orcombination of colors of the light during use.

The light emitter can be configured to change, during use, acharacteristic of the light being emitted, such as based on thepredetermined program and/or based on a signal received (e.g., duringuse) from the controller 1300. Said another way, the light emitters 1200can be configured to emit at a first time (or during a first timeperiod) light having a first set of characteristics and to emit light ata second time (or during a second time period), after the first timelight having a second set of characteristics different from the firstset of characteristics. In this manner, the characteristics of the lightbeing emitted by the light emitters 1200 can be changed over time, whichcan be used to help simulate a fire that increases or decreases inintensity over time, to help simulate a resurgence of a fire, to helpsimulate a change in class of fire (e.g., from Class C to Class A)during a fire training scenario.

For example, the light emitters 1200 can be configured to emit at afirst time light having a first set of characteristics, including blueand white colored light representative of an electrical fire. The lightemitters 1200 can be configured to emit, at a second time, light havinga second set of characteristics, including blue, white, red and ambercolored light representative of an electrical fire that also includescombusted solids. The light emitters 1200 can be configured to emit at athird time, light having a third set of characteristics, including redand amber colored light, but no blue and white light, representative ofextinguishment of the electrical component of the fire and continuanceof the combustible solid fire (e.g., a change from a Class C to Class Afire).

In another example, the light emitters 1200 can be configured to emit,at a first time, light having a first set of characteristics, includinga first intensity. The first intensity can be configured, for example,to represent an incipient stage fire. The light emitters 1200 can beconfigured to emit, at a second time after the first time, light havinga second set of characteristics, including a second intensity greaterthan the first intensity. The second intensity can be configured, forexample, to represent a growth stage or fully developed fire. The lightemitters 1200 can be configured to emit at a second time light having athird set of characteristics, including a third intensity less than thesecond intensity, to represent a degree of extinguishment of the fire.

In still another example, the light emitters 1200, or a portion thereof,can be configured to be selectively turned on or off. For example, afirst portion of the light emitters, having a first number of lightemitters but not all of the light emitters, can emit light at a firsttime, and a second portion of the light emitters, having a differentnumber of light emitters and optionally all of the light emitters, canemit light at a second time, before or after the first time.

A change in one or more characteristics of the light, movement of thedischarged smoke (and thus a change in the redirection of the lightthereon), and/or a change in one or more characteristics of the smokeduring a simulated fire event can each help to produce the dynamiceffect of the simulated fire. Said another way, a change in one of moreof the light or the smoke helps to produce the illusion of that thesimulated flame(s) and/or electric arc(s) are continuously moving orchanging, as would a flame or electrical arc in a live fire.

The sound system 1500 of the apparatus 1000 is configured to enhance therealism of the fire simulation scenario, by providing a sound componentto the training environment that includes at least one or more soundsthat may be heard during a live fire event. In particular, the soundsystem 1500 is configured to output one or more sounds similar to soundsthat firefighters are often trained to listen for during a search andrescue operation. For example, the sound system 1500 can be configuredto output at least one sound associated with at least one class of fire.For example, the sound system 1500 can be configured to output from theapparatus 1000 a sound associated with a Class A fire or a Class B fire,such as a crackling, popping, or hissing sound. In another example, thesound system 1500 can be configured to output from the apparatus 1000 asound associated with a Class C fire, such as an electrical arcingsound. In still another example, the sound system 1500 can be configuredto output a sound associated with the environment in which the firescenario is simulated to occur. Such sounds may include one or more of acrying baby, child, or person, a person screaming, a barking dog, ameowing cat, a sound of a structure falling or collapsing, or the like,or any combination thereof. The sound system 1500 can be configured tooutput one or more sounds associated with each of a Class A, Class B andClass C fire, as well as one or more sounds of associated with theenvironment in which the fire scenario is simulated to occur.

The sound system 1500 can include, for example, a sound player, an audioamplifier and a speaker (not shown in FIG. 3). The sound system 1500 iscoupled to the housing 1020, and as shown in FIG. 3, is disposed withinthe interior volume of the housing 1020. A speaker of the sound system1500 can be at least partially coupled to a surface (e.g., a side wall)of the housing 1020. The speaker can be impervious (e.g., waterproof) orliquid (e.g., water) resistant.

The sound player can be, for example, a digital sound player. Thesound(s) can be included in at least one audio recording stored in, forexample, at least one audio file in the sound player. In someembodiments, the sound player includes two or more audio recordings,each with a different sound or combination of sounds. For example, thesound player can be configured to play a first audio recording thatincludes at least one sound associated with a fire and to play a secondaudio recording that includes at least one sound associated with aperson or animal. In use, the sound player can be configured toselectively output at least one audio recording from the two or moreaudio recordings.

In some implementations, the sound player is a multichannel digitalsound player. In this manner, the sound player can be configured to playone or multiple audio recordings (or sound file portions) during apredetermined time period. For example, the sound player can beconfigured to play a first audio recording that includes at least onesound associated with a fire and substantially concurrently play asecond audio recording that includes at least one sound associated witha person or animal.

The sound system 1500 is configured to output the one or more audiorecordings at a volume for the sound(s) to be heard by a personparticipating in the fire training scenario without the assistance of ahearing device, and at a predetermined distance from the apparatus 1000.For example, the sound system 1500 can be configured to output asound(s) at a volume that permits the sound to be heard outside of aclosed room or from a distance within the range of about 25 feet toabout 1000 feet from the apparatus 1000.

The sound system 1500 can be configured to produce (output) a soundbased on a signal received from the controller 1300. In someembodiments, the sound system 1500 can be selectively controlled by thecontroller 1300, as described in more detail herein. As such, the timingof output of the sound(s) can be coordinated by the controller (e.g.,via a program) with smoke generation and light emission, to produce adesired or predetermined fire simulation scenario. Said another way, thesound system 1500 can be configured to output an audible representationof a fire during a time period that the smoke generator 1100 and lightemitters 1200 collectively output a dynamic visual representation of thefire. In this manner, the apparatus 1000 is configured to substantiallysimultaneously output a dynamic visual and audible representation of thefire.

The apparatus 1000 includes a heating element 1600 coupled to thehousing 1020. As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the heatingelement 1600 is coupled to and at least partially extended from theupper surface 1026 of the housing 1020. The heating element 1600 canoptionally also be extended through the diffuser 1050. The heatingelement 1600 is configured to generate heat such that the simulator canbe seen or viewed at a distance via a thermal imaging camera. Becausethe heating element 1600 is extended upwardly from the upper surface1026 of the housing, the heating element 1600 has better viewability viathe thermal imaging camera from about 360 degrees about the heatingelement 1600. The heating element 1600 is distinct from the smokegenerator 1100 and/or the light emitters 1200. The heating element 1600is configured to generate an amount of heat (e.g., a “hot spot”)representative of at least one of a fire or a body (e.g., a living body,such as a person or animal). For example, the heating element 1600 cangenerate a hot spot having a temperature within the range of about 100degrees to about 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. More specifically, the heatingelement 1600 can generate a hot spot having a temperature, for example,of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. In this manner, the apparatus 1000 isconfigured to facilitate fire fighter training that includes the use ofthermal imaging equipment for search and rescue operations. In someimplementations, a protective shield (e.g., a metal screen) (not shownin FIG. 3) is disposed about at least a portion of the heating element1600 (e.g., the portion of the heating element 1600 extended above thediffuser 1050). The protective shield is configured to help avoidcontact by a trainee, for example, directly with the heating element,thereby avoiding any burns that may otherwise occur if a person engagedthe heating element when in use.

The heating element 1600 is thermostatically controllable. In someembodiments, the heating element 1600 is configured to be controlled ormodulated by the controller 1300. In this manner, the heating element1600 can be configured to generate the amount of heat in response to asignal from the controller 1300, to change (increase or decrease) thetemperature of heat being generated by the heating element 1600 inresponse to a signal from the controller 1300 and/or cease generatingheat in response to a signal from the controller 1300. The controller1300 is configured to cause (or signal or trigger) the heating element1600 to generate the amount of heat during a time period that is priorto, concurrent with, or subsequent to a time period during which thesmoke generator 1100 and one or more light emitters 1200 collectivelyoutput a dynamic visual representation of a fire.

The apparatus 1000 includes a sensor 1400 configured to detect anextinguishing agent. In some implementations, the sensor 1400 isconfigured to detect a liquid extinguishing agent, such as water or afoam. In some implementations, the sensor 1400 is configured to detect adry extinguishing agent, such as a powder or CO₂. The sensor 1400 can beconfigured to detect two or more types of extinguishing agents (e.g., todetect both a liquid agent and a dry agent), or a combination thereof.The sensor 1400 is coupled to the housing 1020 and is disposed withinthe interior volume of the housing 1020. More specifically, the sensorcan be disposed within the bottom portion of the housing 1020, as shownin FIG. 3.

The housing 1020 is configured to receive an amount of extinguishingagent applied to the housing, such as during a fire training scenario,and to permit the amount of extinguishing agent to flow or otherwisemove towards the sensor 1400. The housing 1020 includes a port 1060 orother suitable opening by which the housing is configured to receive atleast a portion of the extinguishing agent. As shown in FIG. 3, in someimplementations, the port 1060 is defined by the upper surface 1026 ofthe housing 1020 and is disposed beneath the diffuser 1050. In someembodiments, the surface of the housing 1020 can be configured to permitor otherwise cause an extinguishing agent applied thereon to flowtowards the port 1060. For example, the surface of the diffuser 1050 canbe sloped towards the port 1060, or can be contoured to cause a fluid(e.g., the extinguishing agent) thereon to flow or move towards the port1060. As shown in FIG. 3, the diffuser 1050 can have an upper surfacearea less than a surface area of the upper surface 1026 of the housing1020. In this manner, extinguishing agent applied to the apparatus 1000in use can be received on a perimeter portion of the upper surface 1026of the housing 1020, and then can flow on the upper surface 1026 of thehousing 1020 between the diffuser 1050 and the housing 1020 towards theport 1060. The port 1060 is configured to receive at least a portion ofan extinguishing agent when such extinguishing agent is applied to theapparatus 1000 (or at least the top portion 1022 of the apparatus).

The port 1060 is fluidically coupled to a drain opening (not shown inFIG. 3) located at a bottom portion 1024 of the housing 1020 via a tubeor other suitable channel 1066. The sensor 1400 can be an in-line sensor(e.g., at least partially disposed within the channel 1066) or can beadjacent to the channel 1066, and is configured to detect theextinguishing agent in the channel 1066.

The sensor 1400 can be configured to detect the presence of theextinguishing agent. For example, the sensor 1400 can be configured todetect the presence or passage of the extinguishing agent within thechannel 1066. The sensor 1400 can be configured to detect apredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent. For example, the sensor1400 can be configured to detect a first predetermined amount of theextinguishing agent (e.g., at a first time), and a second predeterminedamount of the extinguishing agent (e.g., at a second time different fromthe first time). The sensor 1400 can be configured to send a signal tothe controller 1300 based on or in response to the detection of thepredetermined amount (e.g., the first predetermined amount and/or thesecond predetermined amount) of the extinguishing agent. In someembodiments, the sensor 1400 can be configured to detect that apredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent has moved within thechannel 1066. In some embodiments, the sensor 1400 is configured todetect a duration during which the extinguishing agent is present in thehousing 1020 and/or moves through the channel 1066.

As described herein, characteristics of each of the smoke, light, soundand heat generated or otherwise produced or output by a component of theapparatus 1000 can be controlled by the controller 1300 of the apparatus1000. Said another way, the controller 1300 is configured to controloperation of the smoke generator 1100, the light emitters 1200, thesensor 1400, the sound system 1500, and/or the heating element 1600. Thecontroller 1300 can be, for example, a logic controller, a logicprocessor, a PLC, a custom PCB, ASIC, or other suitable controllerdescribed herein, or the like. The controller 1300 is disposed withinthe interior volume 1030 of the housing 1020.

The controller can be programmed with one or more simulated firescenarios, including, but not limited to, fire scenarios associated withone, two, three or more classes of fires (e.g., classes A, B and/or C).Said another way, the controller 1300 can be configured to execute aprogram associated with a fire scenario to be simulated such that thecontroller 1300 selectively sends one or more signals to the smokegenerator 1100 to generate smoke during at least a portion of a timeperiod having a predetermined set of characteristics, sends one or moresignals to the light emitters 1200 to emit light during at least aportion of the time period having a predetermined set ofcharacteristics, sends one or more signals to the sound system 1500 tooutput during at least a portion of the time period at least one audiorecording, and/or sends one or more signals to the heating element 1600to generate, during at least a portion of the time period, heat within apredetermined temperature range.

The controller 1300 can be configured to control the extinguishmentdifficulty level of the simulated fire. For a predetermined simulatedfire scenario, the extinguishment-difficulty level of the simulated firecan be predetermined. The extinguishment-difficulty level can varyamongst different simulated fire scenarios, or amongst different levelsof a predetermined simulated fire scenario, and can range from easy todifficult. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 1300 candetermine a threshold amount of an extinguishing agent and can beconfigured to send a signal to the sensor 1400 indicative of thethreshold amount of extinguishing agent to be detected by the sensor. Aneasy extinguishment-difficulty level for a simulated fire scenario canbe associated with a low threshold amount being determined by thecontroller 1300. Similarly, a difficult extinguishment-difficulty levelfor a simulated fire scenario can be associated with a high thresholdamount being determined by the controller 1300.

In some embodiments, the controller 1300 is configured to modulateoperation of one or more components of the apparatus 1000 during asimulated fire scenario. For example, the controller 1300 can beconfigured to change at least one characteristic of the smoke, at leastone characteristic of the light, at least one characteristic of the heat(e.g., temperature), and/or at least one characteristic of the sound(e.g., volume, or audio recording selection) based on a pre-programmedfire scenario instruction.

In some embodiments, the controller 1300 can be configured to modulate,or change, at least one of the smoke being generated, the light beingemitted, the heat being generated, or the sound being output based on orin response to detection by the sensor 1400 of the first predeterminedamount of the extinguishing agent. For example, the logic controller1300 can be configured to modulate the light, the smoke, the heat, orthe sound based on or in response to receipt of a first predeterminedamount of the extinguishing agent by a predetermined portion of thehousing 1020 (e.g., the port 1060 or the channel 1066). Modulation ofthe light can include causing the light emitters 1200 to change acharacteristic of the light or causing the light emitters 1200 to ceaseemitting the light. Modulation of the smoke can include causing thesmoke generator 1100 to change a characteristic of the smoke or causingthe smoke generator 1100 to cease generating smoke. Modulation of thesound can include causing the sound system 1500 to change the volume atwhich the audio recording or sound is output and/or can include causingthe sound system 1500 to output a different or additional audiorecording. Modulation of the heat can include causing the heatingelement 1600 to generate heating having a different temperature or atemperature within a different range of temperatures.

For example, the controller 1300 can be configured to, in response to asignal from the sensor 1400 based on or in response to detection of thepredetermined amount (e.g., a first amount) of the extinguishing agent,reduce the amount of light, change a color of the light, reduce thevolume of smoke being generated over a predetermined time (e.g., volumeof smoke per second or minute or hour), reduce the density of smokebeing generated, decrease a volume of the audio recording output, ceaseoutputting the audio recording, reduce the temperature of the heatgenerated by the heating element 1600, or the like, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing, to simulate a degree of extinguishment ofthe simulated fire. In another example, the controller 1300 can beconfigured to, in response to a signal (e.g., a second or subsequentsignal) from the sensor 1400 based on or in response to detection of thesecond predetermined amount of the extinguishing agent, cease emissionof or reduce the amount of light, change a color of the light, ceasesmoke generation, reduce the volume of smoke being generated over apredetermined time (e.g., volume of smoke per second or minute or hour),reduce the density of smoke being generated, cease output of the audiorecording, decrease the volume of the audio recording output, cease heatgeneration by the heating element 1600, or the like, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing, to simulate a further degree ofextinguishment or total extinguishment of the simulated fire.

Also, as described in more detail herein, in some embodiments, theapparatus 1000, for example, via the controller 1300, is configured tobe operatively coupled to at least one other fire simulation deviceand/or a live fire training system. In some embodiments, the apparatus1000, and in some embodiments, the controller 1300 particularly, isconfigured for wireless communication with at least one of a differentfire simulation device, a live fire training system, or a remotecontroller.

The apparatus 1000 can be configured to selectively operate in variousoperational modes. Said another way, the apparatus 1000 can beconfigured to operate in a first operational mode during a first timeperiod, and can be configured to operate in a second, different,operational mode during a second time period. More specifically, thecontroller 1300 of the apparatus 1000 can control operation of theapparatus 1000 according to the operational mode. Each operational modecan be associated with (e.g., implemented by) instructions executable bythe controller 1300 for smoke generation, light emission, sound output,and/or heat generation according to predetermined characteristics basedon the operational mode. The operational mode can be predefined orpreprogrammed. In some embodiments, the operational mode is selected viathe remote controller.

In one example, the apparatus 1000 can operate in an operational modethat is associated with a predetermined class (or combination ofclasses) of fire. The operational mode can also be associated with apredetermined difficulty level, which can be one of a range ofdifficulty levels between a beginner level of difficulty to an expert orimpossible level of difficulty. The operational mode can also includeone or more predetermined elements of surprise to be encountered by thefirefighting trainee(s). Such elements of surprise can include, forexample, a visual and/or audio simulation associated with a sudden fireburst or explosion, a spontaneous simulated re-ignition of a fire thatvisually appeared to have been extinguished, or the like. Theoperational mode can also include or be associated with a predeterminedenvironment. For example, the operational mode can be associated with aninner city environment, which may include simulation of flames having aheight representative of tall buildings, simulation of sounds (orplaying audio recordings) associated with the city like traffic, crowds,or the like. Other predetermined environments can include an officebuilding, house, hospital, school, forest, farm, or any other suitableenvironment. The controller 1300 can execute instructions associatedwith each of the foregoing features associated with the selectedoperational mode.

The controller 1300 can be configured to select one (e.g., based on aninput by a user or a signal received from the remote controller, or thelike) of the operational modes for execution. In use, as an example, afirst operational mode can include instructions executable by thecontroller 1300 for simulating a Class A fire, with a beginner or lowerlevel of difficulty (e.g., of extinguishment, such that sensor 1400 isconfigured to signal the controller 1300 that a first (e.g., low)predetermined threshold level of extinguishing agent has been detectedby the sensor 1400), that includes zero or one element of surprise to besimulated (e.g. at a predetermined time or based upon a predeterminedsignal), and that is associated with a residential environment.

In another example, the apparatus 1000 can have a second operationalmode with instructions executable by the controller 1300 for simulatingClass A fire, with a moderate level of difficulty, a predeterminednumber (e.g., two or three) of elements of surprise, and associated witha commercial (e.g., office building) environment. In still anotherexample, the apparatus 1000 can have a third operational mode withinstructions executable by the controller 1300 for simulating a Class Cfire, with an impossible level of difficulty (e.g., the apparatus 1000is configured to continue the fire simulation regardless of any level ofextinguishing agent detection by the sensor 1400).

An apparatus 2000 according to an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8-12. Theapparatus 2000 is configured to produce a fire training scenario, orportion thereof. In particular, for example, the apparatus 2000 isconfigured to output a dynamic visual and audible representation of afire. The apparatus 2000 can be similar in many respects to apparatus100, 200, and 1000 described herein, and components of the apparatus2000, such as a housing 2020, smoke generator (not shown in FIGS. 8-12),light emitters 2200, controller 2300, sensor 2400, sound system 2500,and/or heating element (not shown in FIGS. 8-12) can be similar in manyrespects, or identical to, components of the apparatus 100, 200, 1000(such as the housing 102, 202, 1020, smoke generator 110, 210, 1100, atleast one light emitter 120, 220, 1200, controller 130, 230, 1300,sensor 240, 1400, sound system 250, 1500 and/or heating element 260,1600, respectively), and so such components of apparatus 2000 and theiroperation are not described in detail with respect to apparatus 2000.

The apparatus 2000 includes a housing 2020 with an interior volume (notshown in FIGS. 8-12). The housing 2020 includes a door 2070. The door2070 can be opened by an operator via hinges to access a control boardor controller 2300 disposed in the housing 2020. The door 2070, whenclosed, can have a watertight seal to prevent or resist a liquid fromcontacting the controller 2300 and any other electronics therein duringuse.

The housing 2020 is configured to be disposed on a support surface, suchas a floor, lawn, pavement, other ground surface, furniture, vehicle,equipment, or any other suitable support surface. The housing 2020includes leg members 2074 configured to space a lower surface of thehousing 2020 apart from the support surface, for example by one or moreinches or one or more feet. The leg members 2074 can be individuallyadjustable in height, which can be helpful for disposing the housing2020 on an uneven support surface. The housing can include handles 2082configured to facilitate portability of the apparatus 2000.

The housing 2020 is configured to at least partially house, and in someimplementations, wholly enclose, components of the apparatus, such asthe smoke generator (not shown), the light emitter(s) 2200, thecontroller 2300, the sensor 2400, the sound system 2500, and/or theheating element (not shown).

The smoke generator 2100 of the apparatus 2000 is configured to generatesmoke in any suitable manner described herein, and so such smokegeneration is not described in detail with respect to apparatus 2000.The smoke generator 2100 can be configured to generate smoke using, forexample theatrical smoke fluid (e.g., a mixture of water and propyleneglycol). In some embodiments, the apparatus 2000, or the smoke generator2100, includes a reservoir 2120 configured to contain a volume of thesmoke fluid. The reservoir 2120 can be accessible from the exterior ofthe housing 2020. In this manner, the reservoir 2120 can be filled withsmoke fluid without opening the housing 2020 to access the smokegenerator within the interior volume.

The smoke generator is configured to discharge at least a portion of thesmoke via a port 2042 of the housing 2020. The port 2042 is positionedwith respect to the housing 2020 such that at least a portion of thesmoke, when discharged, is positioned vertically above (e.g., directlyoverhead of) the housing 2020. The housing 2020 can optionally include adiffuser, similar in many respects to diffuser 1050 described withrespect to apparatus 1000.

The apparatus 2000 includes a set of light emitters 2200 configured toemit light to facilitate simulation of a dynamic representation of afire, in combination with the smoke generator, as described herein. Thelight emitters 2200 are configured to emit light in any suitable mannerdescribed herein, and so such light emission is not described in detailwith respect to apparatus 2000. The light emitters 2200 are disposed onan upper surface 2026 of the housing 2020. The light emitters 2200 caninclude one or more of a LED, a strobe light, a laser, an incandescentlight bulb, a halogen lamp, a fluorescent light, fiber optics, or acombination thereof. As shown in FIG. 11, the light emitters 2200 areLEDs arranged in two substantially concentric circles. The port 2042 ispositioned substantially at a center point of the circles.

The light emitters 2200 are configured to emit light towards at least aportion of the smoke discharged from the housing via the port 2042. Saidanother way, the light emitters 2200 are configured to emit lighttowards a volume of space adjoining the housing, such as in a verticaldirection with respect to (e.g., overhead of) the housing. The lightemitters 2200 are configured to emit the light such that the light istransmitted a non-zero distance beyond the upper surface 2026 of thehousing 2020, for example up to five feet, up to ten feet, up to fifteenfeet, or up to twenty feet or more beyond the surface of the housing2020. The portion of light transmitted through the smoke is configuredto be redirected by at least a portion of the discharged smoke, whichcan cause the portion of smoke to visually appear as though it isglowing or illuminated. In this manner, the light emitted by the lightemitters 2200 and the portion of smoke are collectively configured tosimulate a flame or electric arc above the surface of the housing. Saidanother way, the light emitters 2200, by the light emitted therefrom,and the smoke generator, by the smoke generated and dischargedtherefrom, are collectively configured to produce a dynamic visualrepresentation of a fire.

The light emitted by the light emitters 2200 and at least the portion ofdischarged smoke are collectively configured to simulate the flame orelectric arc above the surface of the housing such that the simulatedflame or electric arc is viewable from an angle within the range of morethan 180 degrees up to 360 degrees. More specifically, the dynamicrepresentation of the fire (or the simulated flame or electric arc) canbe viewable from about 360 degrees about the surface of the apparatus2000.

The sound system 2500 of the apparatus 2000 is configured to enhance therealism of the fire simulation scenario, by providing a sound componentto the training environment that includes at least one or more soundsthat may be heard during a live fire event. The sound system 2500 can besimilar in many respects to any sound system described herein, and so isnot described in detail with respect to apparatus 2000. The sound system2500 is configured to output at least one sound, such as a soundassociated with at least one class of fire or a sound associated withthe environment in which the fire scenario is simulated to occur (suchas one or more of a crying baby, child, or person, a person screaming, abarking dog, a meowing cat, a sound of a structure falling orcollapsing, or the like), or any combination thereof.

The sound system 2500 can include, for example, a sound player (notshown in FIGS. 8-12), an audio amplifier (not shown in FIGS. 8-12) and aspeaker 2256. The speaker 2256 is coupled to a lower surface 2028 of thehousing 2020. The speaker 2256 can be impervious (e.g., waterproof) orliquid (e.g., water) resistant. The leg members 2074 of the housing 2020also space the speaker 2256 apart from the support surface, and thusalso from at least some of the extinguishing agent that may accumulateon the support surface during a fire training scenario.

The apparatus 2000 can optionally include a heating element, such as aheating element described herein with respect to a fire simulationapparatus (e.g., apparatus 200, 1000).

The apparatus 2000 includes a sensor 2400 configured to detect anextinguishing agent. In some implementations, the sensor 2400 isconfigured to detect a liquid extinguishing agent, such as water or afoam. In some implementations, the sensor 2400 is configured to detect adry extinguishing agent, such as a powder or CO₂. The sensor 2400 can beconfigured to detect two or more types of extinguishing agents (e.g., todetect both a liquid agent and a dry agent), or a combination thereof.The sensor 2400 is coupled to the housing 2020 and can be disposedtowards a bottom portion of the housing 2020.

The housing 2020 is configured to receive an amount of extinguishingagent applied to the housing, such as during a fire training scenario,and to permit the amount of extinguishing agent to flow or otherwisemove towards the sensor 2400. A top portion 2022 of the housing 2020includes a port 2060 configured to receive at least a portion of theextinguishing agent. The port 2060 is fluidically coupled to a drainopening 2061 (FIG. 12) located at the bottom portion 1024 of the housing2020. The sensor 2400 can be an in-line sensor. The sensor 2400 can besimilar in many respects and can operate similarly to any sensordescribed herein, and so is not described in detail herein with respectto apparatus 2000.

The sensor 2400 can be configured to detect the presence of theextinguishing agent. For example, the sensor 2400 can be configured todetect the presence or passage of the extinguishing agent within thechannel 1066. The sensor 2400 can be configured to detect one or morepredetermined amounts of the extinguishing agent, and can be configuredto send a signal to the controller 2300 based on or in response to thedetection of one or more predetermined amounts of the extinguishingagent.

As described herein, characteristics of each of the smoke, light, soundand heat generated or otherwise produced or output by a component of theapparatus 2000 can be controlled by the controller 2300 of the apparatus2000. Said another way, the controller 2300 is configured to controloperation of the smoke generator, the light emitters 2200, the sensor2400, the sound system 2500, and/or the heating element. The controller2300 can be similar in many respects in form and operation to anycontroller described herein, and so is not described in detail withrespect to apparatus 2000. The controller 2300 can be configured tomodulate, or change, at least one of the smoke being generated, thelight being emitted, the heat being generated, or the sound being outputbased on or in response to detection by the sensor 2400 of the firstpredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent. The controller 2300 canbe configured to determine the one or more threshold amounts ofextinguishing agent to be detected by the sensor 2400 during aparticular fire training scenario.

As described in more detail herein, in some embodiments, the apparatus2000, for example, via the controller 2300, is configured to beoperatively coupled to at least one other fire simulation device and/ora live fire training system. In some embodiments, the apparatus 2000,and in some embodiments, the controller 2300 particularly, is configuredfor wireless communication with at least one of a different firesimulation device, a live fire training system, or a remote controller.

In some embodiments, at least one of the apparatus described herein(e.g., apparatus 100, 200, 1000, 2000) can be configured to beoperatively coupled to another fire simulation device. For example,referring to FIG. 13, a fire training system 300 according to anembodiment includes a first apparatus 3000 and a second apparatus 4000.The first apparatus 3000 can be similar, or identical, to any apparatus(e.g., apparatus 100, 200, 1000, 2000) described herein. Similarly, thesecond apparatus 4000 can be similar, or identical, to any apparatus(e.g., apparatus 100, 200, 1000, 2000) described herein. The firstapparatus 3000 and the second apparatus 4000 can be, but are notnecessarily, substantially identical. Each apparatus 3000, 4000 caninclude at least a smoke generator 3100, 4100, a light emitter 3200,4200 and a controller 3300, 4300, respectively, and can optionallyinclude a sensor, a sound system, and/or a heating element (not shown inFIG. 13).

The first apparatus 3000 of the system 300 can be configured to output adynamic representation of a fire. The first apparatus 3000, for examplethe controller 3300 of the first apparatus, is configured to send asignal to the second apparatus 4000, for example to a controller 4300 ofthe second apparatus. In some embodiments, the first apparatus 3000 isconfigured to send a signal associated with one or more of the dynamicconditions of the first apparatus to the second apparatus 4000. Forexample, the first apparatus 3000 can be configured to send to thesecond apparatus a signal associated with at least one of (1) anoperating status of one or more of the smoke generator 3100, lightemitter 3200, sensor, sound system, or heating element, (2) at least onecharacteristic of smoke being generated by the smoke generator, (3) atleast one characteristic of light being emitted by the light emitter,(4) a predetermined threshold level of an amount of extinguishing agentwhich that sensor is configured to detect, (5) detection by the sensorof a predetermined amount of extinguishing agent, (6) an audio recordingor file that was, is being, or will output by the sound system during afire training scenario, (7) a temperature or temperature range of heatbeing generated or otherwise output by the heating element, or anycombination of the foregoing.

The second apparatus 4000 of the system 300 can similarly be configuredto output a dynamic representation of a fire. The second apparatus 4000is configured to be in operative communication with the first apparatus3000. The second apparatus 4000 can be configured to receive the signalfrom the first apparatus 3000. The second apparatus can be configuredto, in response to the signal, at least one of (1) output the dynamicrepresentation of the fire, (2) change a characteristic of the dynamicrepresentation of the fire, or (3) cease output of the dynamicrepresentation of the fire.

For example, the first apparatus 3000 can be configured to send a signalto the second apparatus 4000 indicating that the light emitter(s) 3200of the first apparatus are emitting light having a first set ofcharacteristics and that the smoke generator 3100 of the first apparatusis generating smoke having a first set of characteristics. The secondapparatus 4000, in response to the signal, can be configured to causethe smoke generator 4100 to generate smoke having the first set ofcharacteristics and/or to cause the light emitter(s) to output lighthaving the first set of characteristics. In some embodiments, the secondapparatus 4000, in response to the signal, can be configured to causethe smoke generator 4100 to generate smoke having a second set ofcharacteristics different than the first set of characteristics and/orto cause the light emitter(s) to output light having a second set ofcharacteristics different than the first set of characteristics.

In another example, the first apparatus 3000 can be configured to send asignal to the second apparatus 4000 indicating that the sensor of thefirst apparatus detected a predetermined amount of extinguishing agent.The second apparatus 4000, in some embodiments, can be configured to, inresponse to the signal, change the dynamic conditions of the dynamicrepresentation of the fire by the second apparatus 4000 such that thesimulated fire appears to be diminished. In some embodiments, the secondapparatus 4000, in response to the signal, can be configured todetermine a threshold level of extinguishing agent to be detected by thesensor of the second apparatus 4000.

Similarly, the second apparatus 4000 can be configured to send a signalto the first apparatus 3000, and the first apparatus 3000 can beconfigured to, in response to the signal, at least one of (1) output thedynamic representation of the fire, (2) change a characteristic of thedynamic representation of the fire, or (3) cease output of the dynamicrepresentation of the fire of the first apparatus. In some embodiments,each of the first apparatus 3000 and the second apparatus 4000 can beconfigured for wireless communication. For example, the apparatus 3000,4000 can each include at least one of a wireless receiver or atransceiver, or the like. The wireless receiver can be coupled to ahousing of the apparatus 3000, for example and be in operativecommunication with the controller 3300 (e.g., a logic controller) of theapparatus. The controller 3300 can be configured to receive, via thewireless receiver, a signal from a remote controller. The remotecontroller can be, for example, the other apparatus 4000 (or controller4300 of the other apparatus). In another example, the remote controllercan be a live fire training system or unit, or a controller thereof. Instill another example, the remote controller can be, for example, apersonal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet PC, a server device, aworkstation, a different fire simulator, or the like. In someembodiments, the remote controller allows for remote operation of atleast one of the apparatus 3000, 4000 so that an instructor, forexample, can initiate or change a simulated fire or fire conditionremotely to present an element of surprise to a firefighting trainee whomay be close to the at least one apparatus at the time it is remotelycontrolled.

In some implementations, the controller 3300, 4300 of one of theapparatus 3000, 4000 is configured to be, for a particular fire trainingscenario, the primary controller and the controller of the otherapparatus can be a secondary controller or inactive (at least withrespect to the other apparatus) during the fire training scenario. Inthis manner, for example the primary controller is configured to controloperation of both apparatus 3000, 4000 during the fire trainingscenario, and can be considered a remote controller with respect to theother apparatus with the secondary controller.

Each of the apparatus 3000, 4000 can be used as a stand-alone firesimulator, to simulate a fire training scenario that includes multiplesimulated fires that can interact with each other. In this manner, theapparatus 3000, 4000 are configured to simulate fire spread conditionswithin a structure, training prop, or other indoor or outdoorenvironment.

In some embodiments, at least one of the fire training apparatusdescribed herein (e.g., apparatus 100, 200, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000) canbe configured to be included in or used in combination with a live firetraining system. The live fire training system can be, for example, asystem offered commercially by KFT Fire Trainer, LLC of Montvale, N.J.As shown in FIG. 14, a live fire training system 400 according to anembodiment includes a fire simulation apparatus 5000 and a live firetraining unit 6000. The apparatus 5000 can be similar or identical toany of the fire training apparatus described herein (e.g., apparatus100, 200, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000), and so is not described in detailwith respect to system 400. The live fire training unit is configured toproduce a live fire. The live fire training unit 6000 is configured tobe in operative communication with the apparatus 5000 such that theapparatus and the live fire training unit collectively generate acombination live and simulated fire training episode (or scenario). Theapparatus 5000 and the live fire training unit 6000 can be configured tobe in wired and/or wireless communication. As such, each of theapparatus 5000 and training unit 6000 can include a wireless receiver ortransceiver. In some embodiments, at least one of the apparatus 5000 andthe training unit 6000 is configured to be selectively operated ineither the wired or wireless communication mode.

In some implementations, at least one of the fire training apparatus ortraining units described herein (e.g., apparatus 100, 200, 1000, 2000,3000, 4000, 5000, or training unit 6000) includes a logic processor,which can be distinct from the controller (e.g., controller 130, 230,1300, 2300, 4300). The logic processor is configured to facilitateinterconnectivity with other fire simulation systems, training units orapparatus. For example, the logic processor can include Local AreaNetwork (“LAN”) capability. In this manner, the logic processor allowsfor operative integration of multiple fire simulators, training units,and/or systems, thereby allowing for expansion of a simulated firescenario.

Each fire training apparatus described herein (e.g., apparatus 100, 200,1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, or training unit 6000) can be portable. Inthis manner, the apparatus can be moved to various locations for varioussimulated fire scenarios, including indoor and/or outdoor locations. Thehousing (e.g., housing 102, 202, 1020, 2020) can have a size and theapparatus can have a weight allowing the apparatus to be readily movedusing human strength (e.g., manually picked up and/or moved by one, two,or three persons). The apparatus, however, can be sufficiently heavy tohelp the device to remain in its position with respect to the supportsurface when the apparatus is attacked or impacted by a pressurized hosestream of an extinguishing agent.

In some implementations, the fire training apparatus includes one ormore anchors configured to help maintain the position of the apparatusin a desired location (e.g., on the support surface) during a firetraining scenario. The anchor(s) can help to maintain the position ofthe apparatus when the apparatus is attacked or impacted by apressurized hose stream of an extinguishing agent (e.g., water or foam).The apparatus can also have a low profile (e.g., a greater width thanheight), which can also help the apparatus resist being moved inresponse to being impacted by or attacked with the pressurized stream ofextinguishing agent.

The apparatus described herein can optionally include a power source,such as battery, which also lends to the portability of the apparatus.For example, in some implementations, the apparatus can include abattery pack (e.g., an external battery pack coupled to the apparatus)that is man-portable with and/or separate from the apparatus. Thebattery pack can be coupled to the apparatus in any suitable manner,e.g., by a cord, mounted directly to the housing, or the like. In someimplementations, the apparatus includes an internal removable battery.The apparatus described herein can include a power cord configured to beplugged in or otherwise connected to AC power (e.g., via standardelectrical lines). In some embodiments, an apparatus described hereincan be configured to operate both via a portable power source and via apower cord.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicatecertain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, thearrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments havebeen particularly shown and described, it will be understood thatvarious changes in form and details may be made. Although variousembodiments have been described as having particular features and/orcombinations of components, other embodiments are possible having anycombination or sub-combination of any features and/or components fromany of the embodiments described herein. More particularly, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise, any embodiment described herein caninclude a particular feature and/or combinations of components describedherein with respect to any other embodiment described herein.

For example, while the components are shown in FIG. 3 as being arrangedwithin the housing 1020 in a particular configuration, in someembodiments, one or more of the components can be differently positionedwith respect to the housing or another component within the housing.

In another example, although the housing (e.g., housing 1020, 2020) isshown and described herein as including two ports (e.g., ports, 1040,1060 and 2040, 2060, respectively), in other embodiments, the containercan include any suitable number of ports or openings, including, but notlimited to, one, three, four or more ports or openings.

In still another example, although the port 1060 is shown and describedwith respect to apparatus 1000 as being disposed beneath the diffuser1050, in other implementations, the port can be differently positionedwith respect to the diffuser. In some implementations, the port is notdisposed beneath or is partially disposed beneath by the diffuser. Forexample, the diffuser can be offset from the port. In someimplementations, the diffuser can have a sloped or otherwise contouredsurface configured to drain the extinguishing agent towards an openingin the diffuser in fluid communication with the port. In someimplementations, the port can extend beyond the surface of the housingsuch that the port extends to and/or through the diffuser.

Moreover, the apparatus 100 can include at least one or more of a soundsystem, a sensor, or a heating element, such as those described withrespect to other embodiments herein.

The specific configurations of the various components described hereincan also be varied. For example, the size and specific shape of thevarious components can be different from the embodiments shown, whilestill providing the functions as described herein. Additionally, therelative size of various components of the devices shown and describedherein with respect to the size of other components of the devices arenot necessarily to scale.

Similarly, where methods and/or events described above indicate certainevents and/or procedures occurring in certain order, the ordering ofcertain events and/or procedures may be modified. While the embodimentshave been particularly shown and described, it will be understood thatvarious changes in form and details may be made.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage productwith a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred toas a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions orcomputer code thereon for performing various computer-implementedoperations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium)is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitorypropagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wavecarrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable).The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may bethose designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes.Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are notlimited to, magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, andmagnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital VideoDiscs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), andholographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as opticaldisks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices thatare specially configured to store and execute program code, such asApplication-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable LogicDevices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM)devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer programproduct, which can include, for example, the instructions and/orcomputer code discussed herein.

Some embodiments and/or methods described herein can be performed bysoftware (executed on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof.Hardware may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), and/or an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC). Software modules (executed on hardware) canbe expressed in a variety of software languages (e.g., computer code),including C, C++, Java™, Ruby, Visual Basic™, and/or otherobject-oriented, procedural, or other programming language anddevelopment tools. Examples of computer code include, but are notlimited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, suchas produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and filescontaining higher-level instructions that are executed by a computerusing an interpreter. Additional examples of computer code include, butare not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressedcode.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing having asurface and an interior volume; a smoke generator disposed within theinterior volume of the housing, the smoke generator configured toselectively generate smoke; a port extended between the smoke generatorand the surface of the housing, the port configured to permit at least aportion of the smoke to be discharged through the port from the smokegenerator to an exterior of the housing; a light emitter coupled to thehousing, the light emitter configured to emit a light, the light and theportion of smoke collectively configured to simulate a flame or electricarc above the surface of the housing such that the simulated flame orelectric arc is viewable from more than 180 degrees about the surface ofthe housing; and a logic controller disposed within the interior volumeof the housing, the logic controller configured to modulate the lightand the smoke based on receipt of an extinguishing agent by apredetermined portion of the housing.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the light and the portion of smoke are collectively configuredto simulate the flame or electric arc above the surface of the housingsuch that the simulated flame or electric arc is viewable from an anglewithin the range of 270 degrees to 360 degrees about the surface of thehousing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a sensorcoupled to the housing, the sensor configured to detect a predeterminedamount of the extinguishing agent, the sensor configured to send asignal to the logic controller based on detection of the predeterminedamount of the extinguishing agent, the logic controller configured tocause, in response to the signal received from the sensor, at least oneof (1) the light emitter to change a characteristic of the light, (2)the light emitter to cease emitting the light, (3) the smoke generatorto change a characteristic of the smoke, or (4) the smoke generator tocease generating smoke.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a sensor coupled to the housing, the sensor configured to detect a firstpredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent, the sensor configuredto send to the logic controller a first signal based on detection of thefirst predetermined amount of the extinguishing agent, the logiccontroller configured to send a second signal in response to the firstsignal to at least one of (1) the light emitter to change acharacteristic of the light, or (2) the smoke generator to change acharacteristic of the smoke, the sensor configured to detect a secondpredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent, the sensor configuredto send to the logic controller a third signal based on the detection ofthe second predetermined amount of the extinguishing agent, thecontroller configured to send a fourth signal in response to the thirdsignal to cause at least one of (1) the light emitter to cease emittingthe light, or (2) the smoke generator to cease generating smoke.
 5. Afire training system comprising the apparatus of claim 1, the apparatusbeing a first apparatus of a fire training system, the fire trainingsystem further comprising: a second apparatus configured to output adynamic representation of a fire, the second apparatus configured to bein operative communication with the first apparatus, the secondapparatus configured to receive a signal from the first apparatus, thesecond apparatus configured to, in response to the signal, at least oneof (1) output the dynamic representation of the fire, (2) change acharacteristic of the dynamic representation of the fire, or (3) ceaseoutput of the dynamic representation of the fire.
 6. A fire trainingsystem comprising the apparatus of claim 1, the fire training systemfurther comprising: a live fire training unit configured to produce alive fire, the live fire training unit being in operative communicationwith the apparatus such that the apparatus and the live fire trainingunit collectively generate a combination live and simulated firetraining episode. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: aheating element at least partially disposed within the housing, theheating element being distinct from the light emitter, the heatingelement configured to generate an amount of heat representative of atleast one of a fire or a body and such that the heating element isviewable by a thermal imaging camera.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a heating element coupled to the housing, theheating element being thermostatically controllable.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a sound system coupled to and at leastpartially disposed within the housing, the sound system configured toproduce a sound based on a signal received from the logic controller.10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light emitter is configured toemit the light in a pulsating mode.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of light emitters that includes thelight emitter, the plurality of light emitters configured tosubstantially concurrently emit light having at least two colors, the atleast two colors including at least two of red, amber, blue or white.12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless receivercoupled to the housing and in operative communication with the logiccontroller, the logic controller configured to receive a signal from aremote controller via the wireless receiver, the signal received fromthe remote controller configured to cause the logic controller tomodulate operation of at least one of the light emitter or the smokegenerator.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a diffusercoupled to the surface of the housing such that the diffuser is spacedapart from the surface of the housing and such that the diffuser isdisposed over and spaced apart from the port, the diffuser configured tochange a direction of movement of at least a portion of the portion ofthe smoke to widen a base portion of the simulated flame or electricarc.
 14. An apparatus, comprising: a housing having a top portion, abottom portion configured to be disposed on a support surface, and aninterior volume between the top portion and the bottom portion, thehousing defining a first port and a second port different from the firstport; a smoke generator disposed within the interior volume of thehousing, the smoke generator configured to generate smoke, the firstport of the housing configured to permit the smoke to be discharged fromthe smoke generator within the interior volume of the housing to outsidethe housing such that at least a portion of the discharged smoke ispositioned vertically with respect to the housing; a plurality of lightemitters coupled to the housing, the plurality of light emittersconfigured to emit light in response to a second signal received fromthe logic controller, the plurality of light emitters configured to emitthe light towards the portion of the discharged smoke; a sound system atleast partially disposed within the interior volume of the housing, thesound system configured to output at least one audio recording from aplurality of audio recordings; a sensor disposed within the housing, thesensor configured to detect an extinguishing agent received by thehousing via the second port; and a logic controller disposed in theinterior volume of the housing, the logic controller configured toselectively control operation of the smoke generator, the plurality oflight emitters and the sound system such that the apparatus outputs adynamic visual and audible representation of a fire, the dynamic visualrepresentation of the fire being viewable from an angle greater than 180degrees with respect to a vertical axis of the dynamic visualrepresentation of the fire, the logic controller configured to modulateoperation of at least one of the smoke generator, the plurality of lightemitters or the sound system based on a signal received from the sensorassociated with detection of the extinguishing agent.
 15. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein: the signal is a first signal, the sensor isconfigured to detect at a first time a first predetermined amount of theextinguishing agent received via the second port of the housing, thesensor is configured to send to the logic controller the first signalbased on detection of the first predetermined amount of theextinguishing agent, the logic controller is configured to, in responseto the first signal, at least one of (1) modulate the plurality of lightemitters to change a characteristic of the light, or (2) modulate thesmoke generator to change a characteristic of the smoke, the sensor isconfigured to detect at a second time after the first time a secondpredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent received via the secondport of the housing, the sensor is configured to send to the logiccontroller a second signal based on detection of the secondpredetermined amount of the extinguishing agent, and the controller isconfigured to, in response to the second signal, at least one of (1)modulate the plurality of light emitters to cease emitting the light, or(2) modulate the smoke generator to cease generating smoke.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is a first apparatus of afire training system and the fire is a first fire, the apparatus furthercomprising: the fire training system including a second apparatus, thesecond apparatus configured to at least one of (1) output a dynamicrepresentation of a second fire or (2) generate a live fire, the secondapparatus including in operative communication with the first apparatussuch that the first apparatus and the second apparatus are collectivelyconfigured to produce one of (1) a multiple simulated fire trainingepisode, or (2) a combination live and simulated fire training episode.17. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a heating element atleast partially disposed on the housing, the heating element beingdistinct from the plurality of light emitters, the heating elementconfigured to generate an amount of heat representative of at least oneof a fire or a body and such that the heating element is viewable by athermal imaging camera.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, furthercomprising: a heating element coupled to the housing and operativelycoupled to the logic controller, the logic controller configured tothermostatically control the heating element.
 19. The apparatus of claim14, further comprising: a diffuser coupled to the top portion of thehousing such that the diffuser is spaced apart from the top portion ofthe housing and such that the diffuser is disposed over and spaced apartfrom the first port, the second port being extended through thediffuser, the diffuser configured to change a direction of movement ofat least a portion of the smoke discharged via the first port.
 20. Amethod, comprising: discharging smoke from a smoke generator disposedwithin an interior volume of a housing through a port of the housing;emitting light from a plurality of light emitters, the light having afirst set of characteristics, the plurality of light emitters beingcoupled to the housing, the emitted light and the discharged smokecollectively producing a dynamic representation a fire verticallydisposed with respect to the housing such that the dynamicrepresentation of the fire is viewable from greater than 180 degreesabout a vertical axis of the dynamic representation of the fire;outputting an audio recording from a sound system at least partiallydisposed within the interior volume of the housing, the audio recordingincluding a sound associated with a fire; detecting the presence of anextinguishing agent; and modulating, via a logic controller disposedwithin the interior volume of the housing, at least one characteristicof at least one of the smoke, the light, or the audio recording.